By Judy Comstock
Having dealt with thyroid cancer for the past three years, I have experienced my share of tests. Since the thyroid is the only place in the human body where iodine is processed, the treatment and testing often involves making any remaining thyroid cells “hungry” for iodine. This means following a medically-mandated diet that excludes seafood, dairy, egg yokes, soy, bread, potato skins, red die #4, and absolutely no iodized salt. This diet is even more challenging when eating restaurant food. I have decided that we really don’t need iodized salt on our grocery shelves since we have so many other sources of iodine from food. Before 2004, I never thought about iodine except when we did that strange science experiment in seventh grade. This 3-week diet won’t kill you. However, I was disappointed that the preparation for my next full body scan would extend through the San Diego Children’s Pastors Conference. You know those great desserts that are served in the Resource Center? I know. I know…it could be worse.
Upon arriving at the conference hotel, the head chef was given my list of prohibited food. That evening, I joined the rest of the INCM staff for dinner at Kelly’s Steakhouse before the conference began. As I entered the restaurant, the manager came to me and said, “You are Judy. We have prepared a meal for your special diet.” Wow! How did she do that? Something similar happened the next morning as I sat down at the Sunshine Café for breakfast. The manager assured me that they were ready for my meal specifications. No one had taken my photograph at the pre-conference meeting with the hotel staff. I hadn’t introduced myself at the restaurants. How could the food service managers all over the hotel property know my name and my needs? Then, someone pointed out that I was wearing the Town and Country Star pin given to me by the hotel management team. This Star pin and my short blond stature must have been how the staff was to be alert to my situation.
This experience at CPC provided some spiritual application. While it felt strange to have strangers precisely respond, it was encouraging to know that I wouldn’t falter because of their watchfulness. You and I are not strangers, though, to our creator God. The phenomenal statement in the Bible that God knows the number of hairs on our head is an amazing reassurance of God’s watchfulness and knowledge of precisely who we are. God knows where we serve and is watching not to condemn us but to be attentive to our needs. The unique details of our lives are not secrets to our Heavenly Father. We have a special mark on us. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives marks us as God’s own.Many of you have emailed the INCM office to describe the positive results you got from CPC. I am so glad you found exactly what you needed at this uplifting event. I hope you thrive this year and go far beyond where you imagined being in ministry as a result of what you learned and experienced. However, I also know that some of you went home to face continued battles. Battles come in different forms. Some are physical, some emotional and some are spiritual. As you have resumed your duties and are dealing with all of the “stuff” of life and ministry, do not forget that our Heavenly Father is watching over you. God knows your name and your needs. Rest and trust in that fact without fear. I pray that you will see God’s divine intervention as you stay the course.
My last meal at the Town and Country followed our closing session with Sheila Walsh. A Mexican buffet had been prepared for our wonderful team of volunteer Conference Assistants. I took my place at the end of the line and fully knew that I was going to cheat just a little at this meal. I wouldn’t take cheese or sour cream, but one can consume only so many fruit plates and salads without dressing. As I placed a fried tortilla and a grilled chicken strip on my plate, the head waiter shyly stepped next to me and pointed to my food saying, “That’s not on your diet.” She knew, too! I laughed as she offered to bring me another serving of what I needed but didn’t want. That is exactly what God offers us…what we need. He provides people along the way to help us stay on track. Just as this woman serving the Mexican buffet wanted the best, God wants only the best for you. Keep your eyes on the goal…don’t cheat. Decide to do what is better even if it isn’t easier. I pray that God’s Word will reveal examples and reminders of how very special you are…of how much God loves you and has called you. You are significant. You are marked by the Holy Spirit as a child of God. Don’t give up!
Fly Strong Together at CPC