Walter Wangerin – facing cancer several years ago (he’s still going)

Suddenly–in the midst of a life fresh and green and full of dreams–death intrudes. Your death. The real thing. Das Ding an sich, as the Germans say: “The thing itself.”

And what may in the past have been a warning, perhaps a multitude of warnings, has suddenly become a dead-eyed decree. No longer is it the caution, “You will die.” Now it is the absolute mandate: “You are dying.”

Walter Wangerin – at peace

I am completely at peace with this drama. This adventure. Even the seeming of my body’s loss–that swift invasion of allergenic symptoms caused by the chemicals last week–hasn’t stolen from me the blessings of my adventure.

Healing is surely to come. It may be the healing of my body. I expect so with all my heart. Or it may be the healing of my weary spirit, which has not always been peaceful in the run and the muck, the thistles and the sweats of this worldly existence. This last rest I do also expect with all my heart. I won’t be surprised to hear the voice of the Lord at the end of things physical. I believe in both.

“Not my will, but thine be done.” – these are the words of surrender, acceptance and peace.

– Luke 22:42