Chemo Chronicles Volume 2 - A Matter of Taste

Chemo Chronicles Volume 2
It’s a Matter of Taste

Ten days out from my first round of chemo and all I can say is, “I am blessed!” I’ve had some aches and pains, I tire out pretty easily, but I have not…PRAISE GOD…been “sick” (code for…well, I think you know). In fact, my only struggle with eating is finding things that have a little taste or at least, do not taste “yucky;” unfortunately, that can be a challenge.

The other day I walked by an Easter basket and grabbed one of the foil wrapped, milk chocolate eggs. I buy them for the baskets every year; one, because they make for a pretty filler in the plastic grass, and two, because they are not really a favorite of my children, which means they are free game for me. (Please don’t judge…I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this strategy). Anyway, I unwrapped that egg, popped it into my mouth, expecting the creamy, smooth taste of perfect milk chocolate goodness, but instead encountered, well I don’t really know how to describe it but, “BLAH!!!” I immediately made my way to the nearest trash can and there is no need for further description.

I’m not going to lie, I was a little bummed. I know it sounds crazy, but I love chocolate; and as with most relationships, I have come to expect certain things from it. The main thing being that when I put it in my mouth it will make me happy and satisfy my craving. This time, however, it let me down, it failed to meet up to the expectations I had for it…or had it? Truth is, there was something different in this relationship, but I think it had more to do with what was going on inside me, than it did with that piece of chocolate. The chocolate had not changed…I had, due to the chemical warfare that had been introduced to my system. My body was not meant to house all these poisons and as such, they are throwing everything out of sorts.

The other day on Facebook I posted, “It is a vicious chemical that can make chocolate and Diet Dr. Pepper taste bad.” Shortly after posting that, I was reminded of the verse in Psalm 34:8, “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good...” and it made me think that there is a far greater poison being injected into the lives of believers on a regular basis by a vicious enemy that seeks to destroy “the taste” of godly things in our lives. His poisons, such as discontent, greed, pride, selfishness and lust, do not have long scientific names, but they carry a massive punch and come with horrific side effects. The scary thing is that most of the time, we don’t even realize that we are being injected; but little by little we find ourselves “missing the joy of our salvation.” We blame God, believing He has somehow left or forgotten us, but the truth is…He is not the one who has changed.

The answer to both poisons is the same…water. I have read and heard from various medical personnel that water helps to flush and cleanse the system of the chemicals; and as it does so, I gain more and more of my strength back, thus minimizing some of the side effects. Likewise, Jesus said, “If anyone thirsts let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” (John 7:37b-38). The Living Water is what cleanses us of the darkness injected into our hearts and minds throughout our daily lives. The problem is developing a taste for it. Too often, when I’m thirsty, physically or spiritually, I reach for something else to satisfy; and for a moment, I may feel refreshed, but, unfortunately, not for long. True refreshment, true cleansing can only come through the purity of the Water; and I have found that the more water I drink, the more water I crave. How about you, have you enjoyed a cup of Living Water today? “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good…”

“….Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25b-27)