There is a multiple myeloma patient I’ve heard about that can predict his blood counts before any test is done. Coaches are known for picking the brains of other coaches to try to get a little edge. In similar fashion, I’ve always wanted to meet this man to try to discover how he is so accurate in all his predictions. One of the nurses calls this patient a genius. Last week I found that my protein count is not dropping as quickly as it did last year. During the past month, the number only dropped from 1.9 to 1.5. As I looked over this report and prepared to receive chemo, a nurse came to me and said, “He’s here!” I asked, “Who?” She answered, “The genius! I’m going to bring him to you!”
Tom didn’t really look like a genius. He was wearing a cap that said “World’s Greatest Dad” and he seemed to move rather slowly. He stuck out his hand and introduced himself then sat on a stool next to my chair. “The nurse said you wanted to meet me,” he said. “Yes, I’ve heard a lot about you. Some say you’re a genius. The nurses say you have an uncanny way of predicting your blood counts. How do you do it?” Tom humbly shrugged his shoulders and said he was not a genius. He said he was simply doing his best to stay in the battle. Tom is seventy-seven years old. Within the month he has arrived home from Little Rock, Arkansas where he had just endured a second stem cell transplant. His first was in 2003, so I realized Tom has not had an easy three years. Though he looked remarkably strong just one month out from transplant, he shared that he almost didn’t make it this time. He was in the hospital six weeks and many complications came against him. But as he shared the doctors’ conclusions of the staggering odds against his survival, a twinkle came to Tom’s eye and he made a comment that proved to me he’s a genius: “You know, son, God is not bound by our human statistics.” I think this was another way to say what Jesus often taught: “With God, all things are possible.”
I pray you have a great Thanksgiving. Love your family, encourage the downtrodden, help the needy. Take time to truly thank God for all He has done for us.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-7