As I have mentioned before- this is our season for challenge. Our eldest and middle cubs are on the mend but our youngest one is just having a rough go at it right now. He is scheduled for a surgical procedure in the morning, which is dependent on how his flu behaves. This is the third time in less than a month that we have been admitted to somebody's hospital somewhere - (big shout out to the Nurses and staff at MCV Pediatric ward). Our short term savings has been depleted, our energy comes and goes and our emotional strength was in the red.
The thing about challenges is they rarely come in one neat little package. Take our youngest, who we knew he would one day have to have a kidney transplant closer to puberty. What we didn't know was that with the deterioration of his organs he would develop side complications. New word to add to your vocabulary Nephrotic syndrome. Basically this condition makes the body think its dehydrating while holding all of the body's fluid close to the skin. Swelling and aching joints are included on this menu.
Long story short - we have been in and out of e.r.'s, doctor's offices and specialty clinics. February of this year we were flying high then one day about 3 weeks ago everything went south. Now is a great time for a sidebar - when you have time to read the word...read. When you have time to just sit in the Master's presence then just sit; when you can dedicate real time to praying then pray. Because there may come a time when events come at you at incredible speed. It is in those times that you will need to draw on the reserve you have been depositing in your soul. It is absolutely amazing how the Holy Spirit will bring up a scripture to me that I may have read months ago and give me understanding and clarity that I was not able to receive before.
Which brings me to my next point- this season is thick I will not try and candy coat it. My husband and I have emotions that are very raw at times and we really have to work at not taking our frustrations out on each other. Our daughter, who is now 20, feels the strain that we have tried so hard to shelter her from and wants to be closer to her family especially her brothers (who knew). But this also brings about new testimonies and a deeper sense of GOD and a new level of trust that could not be achieved without going through adversity. We get to share our stories of triumph with other families who we would not have otherwise met. We get to reflect on all that The Lord has sustained us through and take comfort even though we are feeling scared, helpless and honestly sometimes useless. We also are more thankful and grateful for what the Lord has allowed because we know He is with us. That He will never leave us nor forsake and that He knows exactly how much we can endure without caving. Not to mention how beautifully complicated He made the human body. I had no idea that the kidneys regulated so much!
What have I taken away from this experience so far? That blessings are blessings whether they are mixed or not. That GOD is super awesome and in control of far more than I can imagine. That it is okay not to have all the answers or believe when there is no physical evidence to support your faith. That its okay to be true to your feelings - cry when necessary, laugh as often as possible. That focusing on the wonderful act of breathing will usher in the Peace of the Lord...which will calm the most vicious of storms.
Some of you are deep in your season - losing loved ones, change of lifestyle due to lack of employment, an unintended or expected pregnancy or absence of one, (Sidebar- all children are gifts from GOD no matter the circumstances in which they were conceived), or even an unforeseen illness.
Remember to walk in love because the way you handle your life-walk is a great testimony and may lead someone to Christ. And that is what it is all about..Love. And when you have the comfort of God's promises backing every step you take, every move you make (sound familiar? give you a hint Sting) it makes moving forward not such an arduous or frightening task.
For your review: Romans 8:28, Psalm 23 & 91
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
www.biblegateway.com
Nette, I'm going to hold onto your FB post: my circumstances do not dictate my joy. Life sure can hand you crazy sometimes, and it's hard to know what to make of it, or what to do with it, but you are showing me how to keep walking forward with dignity and strength. I'm praying for all of you. On-on. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best!!!! And don't every short change what a beautiful piece of inspiration you are!
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