We’re hanging on to Jesus here. Still lots and lots of pain. Hardly manageable at times.
It’s strange how God uses circumstances to sensitize us to his word. Yesterday when reading Matthew 4:24, I came upon this, “…and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.”
I’ve devoted quite a bit of time to studying prayer and healing, but the words, “severe pain” leapt off the page in a way they never have before. I continue to pray that Jesus would heal my husband of his "severe pain," and that God would use this circumstance, that the pain wouldn’t be wasted.
I’ve marveled at how my kids have stepped up to the plate to take care of their dad, helping with physical therapy, and just being available.
It seems only yesterday, we were taking care of them.
It’s hard to watch someone you love suffer. Helpless feelings threaten to overwhelm.
Here are some things I’ve found beneficial:
- Staying connecting to the Lord is vital to riding out the waves. Take the time to pray and read the Word.
- Breathe. In and out.
- Have others help with the care so you can take a break, even for a few minutes.
- Keep the dialogue positive and forward moving. Try to move off any dead centers—If your loved says something like, “I don’t know how much longer I can….” We only live one moment at a time, and we can do anything we need to in one moment.
- Love. Love. Love. Tender Touches.
I share this recent photo I took while at the Gideon conference of butterflies swarming around a bed of zinnias. You might not be able to see the butterflies, but I know they were there and when it feels like the walls are closing in here, I remember there’ll be butterfly days again.
God is good.
