| | (That's proper Texan talk, isn't it?  )
Yep, I'm down here in the Ft. Worth area, helping out my daughter and son-in-law after his 5 day stay in the hospital. I drove down Monday afternoon, and Travis was released from the hospital Monday evening. It's been a wild couple of days, with doctor visits, LOTS of laundry and dishes, errands to run, meals to fix, and of course, watching my precious grandson Clarke. 
Travis is off work at least until the 15th of Feb. On the 14th he will see his doctor and be evaluated. At that time it will be decided if he is able to go back to work. Thankfully, he will be on temporary disability, so that's one financial concern they won't have. There are lots of adjustments to make, and a long list of things that need to change. From ripping out carpets, to purifying the air, to going on diets...it can be very overwhelming.
I certainly understand what my daughter is experiencing. My own dear sweet hubby had a life threatening illness in Oct of 93, and he didn't work for six months. We didn't know for a while if he would live or die. But with our faith and the help of awesome family and friends, we were able not only to survive, but to thrive. The precious gems we uncovered during that time are priceless...we wouldn't change our experience for anything! Was it hard? Of course it was. There were times I was sure we wouldn't make it. But we were able to trust God and of course, He came through.
And then there was the time my oldest boy was struck on the head by a fully loaded nail gun, which slipped a total of 12 feet before it hit him. Again, it certainly could have taken his life, but the Lord was watching over him. There were long months of rehab and a whole slew of strange side effects before we found a doctor that could help him. My husband's illness prepared us (somewhat!!) for Marc's accident. Same principles to learn....new application. But we found out that God was still in control, and we could still trust Him.
Even my daughter has had her time of illness. She spent 8 years sick and hurting, before she found relief. To be able to marry and have a child, was uncertain during her teen age years. But once more we can testify to the great glory of our God!
And now she gets to experience her own husband's illness. We all know how hard it is to see our loved ones suffer during an accident or illness. It would much easier it WE were the ones struggling and suffering. Believe me, it's much harder to sit and watch and not be able to do anything.
I think God has certain lessons He wants all His children to eventually learn. Some learn those lessons through sickness or disability. Some learn it through financial hardships. Others experience relationship problems. The list is virtually endless, is it not? The "application" is different, but the principles are the same. Do we trust Him...I mean, REALLY trust God? Is He good? Is He sovereign? Can we give thanks in ALL things?
There are so many lessons that we have to learn in this life, and as Believers, God wants us to be like Him. These hardships are chipping away at us, little by little, to show us exactly what's really inside. It can be ugly folks, believe me! But God can make that ugly thing into a something of great value and beauty, IF we let Him.
That saying really is true....When tough times come, you can choose to be bitter...or better. I choose better, don't you? Why be bitter when you don't have to? And the key here is the word CHOOSE. No one forces you to react in any particular way. You CHOOSE your reaction.
My hopes and prayers for you...is that you will choose "better". Leave bitter behind and move forward. Accept the given. Give thanks in all things and sit back and see what lovely things God can do! You will be amazed!
Well, until next time....
Kansas Hugs via Texas!!!
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| | Posted 1/31/2008 12:08 AM - 228 views - 29 comments
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