"We have a heart for James. It has his name written all over it!"
The pediatric cardiologist announced the incredible, long-awaited news because some brave mother had made an incredible choice. When we were desperate, without any ability of our own to make James well, a mom who lived only 30 minutes from our doorstep, a perfect stranger to us, chose to relinquish her daughter's organs after a tragic accident. At a time in her life when she could have been consumed with her own pain and suffering, this courageous mom thought of others who might be helped by her decision, and acted accordingly. She sacrificed. She was selfless. Our whole family would be forever grateful for her choice.
I get to make choices every day that to a lesser degree impact the lives of others. I can be grumpy and discouraged because of my own difficulties and allow others to suffer along with me or I can find joy exactly where I am and gift those near me with peacefulness, gentleness, hope. I can languish in a pool of self-pity and bathe myself in tears for the trial I am enduring or I can decide to have the Lord control my emotions and radiate His presence from the very uncomfortable place I am in.
I get to choose. Every day. May God, who chose to give us everlasting life through the death of His dear Son, enable us to make the choices that bring Him pleasure. May we live distinctly different lives because Christ decided to give us His own heart.