Gloria

          I visited my friend, Gloria, this week.  She is radiant as ever.  One would never guess that she is in her 5th month of heavy duty chemotherapy for a rare cancer.  Her wig is adorable; her smile and the twinkle in her eyes, the same as ever.
          Gloria had already decked her halls for Christmas. The tree was up, Christmas china was on display.  Garlands and ornaments and red velvet ribbons were everywhere.  Gloria and her husband, Al, have traveled extensively and have collected numerous exotic souvenirs that grace their living room decor.  These artifacts, however, were obscured by the Christmas embellishments. I commented that I was surprised she had found the energy to decorate so lavishly given the fatigue that accompanies chemo.  Al admitted he had tried to slow her down.
          We chatted without pause, the way old friends will, about a wide and disconnected range of topics--hardly a segue needed.  But suddenly, I burst out laughing when my eyes fell on a white rhino sculpture near the hearth.  He stood about a foot high.
          "Gloria," I said, "there's a rhinoceros in your living room wearing a red velvet bow!  You have even decorated your rhinoceros!"
          "Yes," Gloria replied without missing a beat, "and if you sit still long enough, I will put a red velvet bow on you, too!"
          Way to go, Gloria!  I don't think there was a rhino in that manger, but let all the world rejoice!
Like Mary said, when she found out she would bear the son of God:

"My soul glorifies the Lord and my Spirit rejoices in God my Savior."  (Luke 1:46, 47)

          What a blessing to have friend who is a living example of joy in the face of trials, at peace in the hands of God and focused on delighting in every day no matter the extenuating circumstances.

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  the Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and  petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 4:4-7)