We also rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. Romans 5:3-4
When Daddy had cancer, our lives seemed consumed with uncertainty and bad news beginning with him being called back to the doctor to repeat a test then being led immediately from the urologist’s office to the oncologist’s office down the hall. Then there was surgery to remove the football sized kidney, experimental treatments with no guarantees, and day after day of watching levels of things I had never known existed. During those months and then after his death, I forced myself each day to find blessings from God hidden in the haystack called cancer.
In such uncertain and stressful days, blessings were often found in small unexpected things. Whether it was in a number increasing that had been too low, a number decreasing that had been too high, a phone call or card from a friend, an empty couch in the waiting room for short naps, or just a snickers and a cold Coke from the vending machine. I looked forward to that bit of sunshine as I searched for those blessings each day.
Then when he passed away ten years ago today, it became more of a struggle to find those blessings because of the pain and grief, but still I searched. Believe me there were still plenty of moments when the glass was half empty instead of half full. Actually there were moments when my glass seemed completely empty, but God’s grace helped me to see that Daddy’s glass was completely full! He was enjoying the blessings of his new heavenly home. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18
Although I miss him very much and wish today that he were still here with us, I am blessed to have had him for a father. He taught me the value of hard work and good character. He taught me how to use a hammer and nails so that when a bookshelf is delivered to my classroom with no instructions, I can still put it together. He taught me how to use a gun so that I can take care of unwelcome critters in the yard if necessary. He taught me how to fish so well that I can usually catch more than my husband but I try not brag too much.
I could easily focus on the sadness of today being the tenth anniversary of his death, but instead I’m choosing to concentrate on all the blessings of having him in my life. My glass is half full today!
Photo courtesy of and copyright Free Range Stock, www.freerangestock.com and GeoffreyWhiteway.
Strength Renewed 
Good memories. Beautiful life he lived.
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Powerful words and a strong heart! Thank you for sharing your words and heart with us.
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Thanks for visiting. I look forward to reading more of your posts. 🙂
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Tresa, I know your Daddy loved you so much and he would be so proud of you.
You’ve always been a special person and I feel blessed to have you in my life.
Love you
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Thanks Janie! I’m blessed to be part of such a great family! Love you too. 🙂
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Tresa, It sure doesn’t seem like its been 10 years, my how time goes by! Your dad would be so proud of the woman you have become. I remember the days he would work so hard he would wear all the younger men out. He was an example of what women need today in a husband and father. He expressed his love and family loyalty by his actions daily. I see him in Brandon more and more all the time! What a blessing to have had an earthly father like him! Thanks for the inspiration of a half full glass on a day that had to be difficult for you, Love ya Shelly
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Shelly, I truly was blessed, and nothing makes me more proud than to see his characteristics in my kids! Love you too!
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Love your blog…what a great testimony to your dad and such a legacy he left for you and your children! Love you so much!!
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Thanks Monta. Love you too!
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Great job!! I read it to Tracey because both of our glasses were empty. 🙂
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Awww….I know you are both drained with everything that’s happened in the last two months. I hope your cups are starting to refill!
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Today – you are a stronger daughter, wife, mother, teacher, and Christian because of what your dad taught you. Is he really dead? No way. He lives through you and those special characteristics he instilled into the lady you have become. For a time, you were the student -learning to deal with numbers and chemos and unmeasurable pain. Take what your Dad taught you and give it away, that is the truest way that you can honor him!
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So true, Barbra. Trials definitely do make us stronger, and I believe we are meant to share how we learned through those times to encourage those around us.
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What a lovely testament to your father, and to your continuing commitment to seek God’s truth instead of dwelling on earthly worries. His glass is absolutely completely full now, and I’m sure he’s very proud of his daughter’s faith.
Thank you for sharing this encouragement!
Have a Blessed Day!
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Thank you Phil. Its a comfort to know whatever our trials here on earth, someday our glasses too will be full if we know Christ!
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Tresa,
Certainly needed this post today as I am dealing with the new diagnosis of my daughter’s cancer. I had just bought a plague this week that read, “May your glass always be half full”. Thank you for those words of encouragement today.
Teresa
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Teresa,
I’ve read your posts about your daughter and have been praying for your entire family. I know its a difficult time, and I’m so glad that God used this post to encourage you today.
Tresa
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