In 1983, the administrator of the local nursing home, Doris, initiated the construction of a 21-unit apartment complex for seniors next to the nursing home. Word came to me in a roundabout way that the newly formed Board of Directors needed a volunteer accountant, at least during the construction period. I applied and joined the Board. A couple of years later, the president resigned, and I took his place.

After the first building was completed and fully occupied, we realized that there was need for more apartments, so we bought a piece of land behind the existing building and applied for permission to build 25 more units. There was also a need for geared-to-income housing for families, and the Housing Authority asked if we would take on this project as well; we built 61 units. Doris did all the administration and became the full-time manager of the complex after she left the nursing home. We became good friends, and we stayed in touch.

At the beginning of November, Doris texted me that she has cancer and there are possibly months of treatment ahead of her. The diagnosis came as a big surprise to her.

We talked about this. Doris knows about the mental struggles that my wife, Greta, is experiencing and how that affects our lives every day, so she told me about one of her favourite Scriptures:

Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. (NIV)

Doris shared with me that when her sister had been killed in a tragic motorcycle accident many years before, she discovered this Scripture on her sister's bathroom mirror. It was like a message from above. It became a very special verse that got her through the tough times. Doris said that the challenge is for the head knowledge to become heart knowledge.

There are so many times when we experience difficult circumstances in our lives. It may be the death of a friend or a family member or a debilitating illness we ourselves or someone near and dear to us is experiencing. There are times when we really struggle, and, from a human point of view, we are at our wit's end. Then, it is good to look again at those familiar Scriptures:

Matthew 11:28 – Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (NIV)

John 14:27 – Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)

The situation may or may not change, but trust in the Lord will give us comfort and the ability to carry on.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, through faith and Scripture, we are assured that we can always put our trust in You, our Lord. We thank You, in Jesus' name. Amen.