I have hidden Thy word in my heart.
(Picture by Lisa R)
2 Corinthians 1: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort” (Verses 3-7). Ever gone through a trial and thought to yourself, “Why, Lord?” Sadness, happiness, trials, and tribulations are not for us alone. They teach us skills and grow us up so that we can then share what we have learned with those around. Sometimes the lessons that come from our trials are meant for someone else.
Very well said; eloquent, to the point, and emotional without being sappy. Thank you.
:). Thank you for the very nice compliment.
The worst nightmare of my life was the last month of my mom’s earthly life. What started as a desire to have her eyelids lifted to improve her eyesight became 4-way bypass surgery, kidney stones, a blood infection, her body filling with clots, and a massive stroke. Within a month, she was on a ventilator, and then she was gone. Whew!
That was eight years ago. Last month the Lord invited me to provide hospice support to a friend whose mom is in the final lap of her earthly life as well. The daughter is so near to the situation that she can’t see the larger picture. My job is to physically care for the mom, and provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support and “eyes” for the daughter. Without the first experience, I would have little to offer this family. God is good.
While this is a bittersweet experience for me (she looks so much like my own mother), I’ve been able to help the daughter solve some end-of-life issues that troubled her and her siblings. I wish I’d had a human come alongside and help us see things that we weren’t willing to look at – and help us get a handle on things the medical pros around her were overlooking (i.e. either hydrated or pain managed…but not both at the same time. She was bounced back and forth between the medical floor and ICU several times because of this).
I’m thankful for that experience – for it is the foundation for my service to this family today. 🙂
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Wow! I really have no other words. I am sure it was painful for you, but God used your experience to bless an entire family.
I never thought I’d say so, but I truly AM thankful for that experience. I’ve been able to offer support and guidance to a blessed family of believers.
The Lord called me to this position. I’m not there in any sort of medical capacity. The daughter needed someone to help move her mother – and He kept bringing my name to mind.
The day before, I’d cancelled my voice lessons, and told the coach that I’d be back when I had a job. (I haven’t worked since 2000!). Burying people is expensive, we’ve learned, and the money for lessons was causing stress that we didn’t need.
The very next morning – before I’d even had a chance to even look around and see what kind of work was available, the daughter called and asked if I would be willing to work for them. 😉
God used our finances to create a desire for me to work (I’m quite content to stay at home and write). He also showed both my husband and I that His plans for my musical future are not over yet either! God is so fun!
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Fun, that’s such an apt description
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I just realized that your post ended up in my comment area. The last 268 days have been one big lesson, of God changing me. I never realized that even in bad moments there was a reason to be thankful. My circumstances may not haven’t changed, but how I view them and handle them has. Thankfulness is truly life changing.