He can … – Day 6

Two days after Norma Jean Bauerschmidt’s, or “Miss Norma” of Michigan in America, husband, Leo died, she received the shocking news that a cancerous tumour was diagnosed in her body. Her son and daughter-in-law were with her in the doctor’s office. The doctor suggested surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. When asked what she thought about it, Miss Norma replied, “Doctor, I am 90 years old. All I want to do is to see the world.” That is exactly what she, her son and daughter-in-law did.

Within a year’s time, they travelled 21 000 km with their mobile camper, slept at 75 different places in 32 American states. During this time, they had many incredible experiences for the first time – including a hot air balloon flight, eating oysters, playing the ukulele, seeing whales for the first time, horseback riding and even visiting a lavender farm (her favourite flower). Their adventures, entitled “Driving Miss Norma” were followed online by more than half a million people who were inspired by her cheerful spirit amidst her failing health. One of the favourite photos of Miss Norma, the little woman of about 45kg, was where she sat in a red sports car with Ringo, their beloved poodle beside her, that went everywhere with them. People did not realise that she was already very weak at that time with an oxygen tank at her feet. This was one of her last adventures.

When Miss Norma passed away, a crowd celebrated her full life at Friday Harbour in Washington State.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we read, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God in Christ Jesus to you.” In Jeremiah 29:11 we read, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil; I want to give you a future and a hope!” And in John 10:10, Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

God can help us to experience life in abundance despite storms raging in the workplace, at home, in our health or even our finances. We have to make the decision to focus not on the storm that will make us anxious, but rather on the One who can quiet the storm with only one word.

When asked what her favourite destination at that point was, Miss Norma replied each time, “Right here.” She was grateful for every day and every experience despite the storm around her health. This is why she experienced life in abundance to the end. Let’s follow her example and live thankfully in every circumstance. Doing this, we will also experience life in abundance, even when we experience storms in our lives. God bless you.

Assignment for the day: What storms are raging in your life? Get a pen and paper and write down three things that you can still be thankful for amidst the storms. Give God thanks for that.