Just about the time we think life is leveled out
and fitting
into somewhat of a routine, something happens to upset that notion.
Andy and I had a discussion a couple of days
ago that it seemed like the medicine he is on is helping him feel
better. And I think over-all, it is. Or maybe we’re just getting used
to the way
things are now.
Then Monday morning, at church, he seemed confused over
everything he was involved with. It was
disconcerting to me and to those who were working with him. We were giving him simple tasks, like putting
away a large order of paper towels, TP, etc. He had to be told numerous times
what he was supposed to do with things.
I asked him a day or two later if he felt confused
on Monday
morning and he said he didn’t remember that he had been. So I guess
that’s good, at least. I’m not sure why he would have been more
confused on Monday morning than on any other day. I can try to figure
it out…maybe he did too
much on Sunday and was extra tired. But
even in racking my brain, I couldn’t make much sense out of it. He
really hadn’t done that much on Sunday
other than going to church, and he does that most days. Of course,
there was more social
interaction. Maybe trying to focus and appear
aware in the crowd of people was overly taxing.
That does seem to require a certain amount of energy for him. Who
knows???
We had no appointments on Tuesday so I went and picked up
Kira right after lunch to spend some time with us. She was so excited, bouncing up and down when
we got there and chattering the whole way home in the car. As soon as we got home, she saw the neighbor
girls out playing in their pool so she got her swimming suit on and went over
to join them. Andy is so good at playing
with kids. He jumped right in the pool
and played with the girls. He says he’s
just a big kid that never grew up. But
he’s always had playful genes and been good with kids. That’s why our grandkids love their PopPop!
I was reading again the little book, The Healing Power of Suffering.
It
is an encouraging read to keep reminding me of Jesus’ involvement in
our suffering. (And I do need constant
reminding.) Jesus made it clear that
suffering would be part of our lives. He
never promised us “flowery beds of ease,” just floating our way to
heaven. He came to earth to suffer. The servant is not greater than
his
master. If He suffered, how can we
expect not to as well.
“We are not to be without pain. Pain is Jesus suffering in us but we are to
look to Him for strength and courage. We
are to learn this ability to shoulder our cross by gazing at Him and being
gentle and humble in heart.
“When we are gentle our crosses do not anger us or cause us
to rebel. When we are humble we lovingly
accept whatever the Father sends us. We
see His pruning hand in everything we do or suffer. Only when we accept the sufferings in our
lives with gentleness and humility will we be the recipients of the reward to
follow: “You will find rest for your
souls.” Lest we forget that our
sufferings come from Him, He said, ‘Yes, My yoke is easy and My burden light.’ (Matthew 11:28-30).
“When we keep our eyes on Jesus, our sufferings are easier
to bear. The realization that nothing
happens to us that is not good for our souls, and that in reality He also
suffers what we suffer, makes the yoke of pain a light burden.”
These truths are not only helping to reduce the feeling
of overwhelming stress at our situation, but to actually experience the rest
for my soul that Jesus promises.
Psalm 62:1 – Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation
comes from Him.
Psalm 62:5 – Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes
from Him.
Psalm 116:7 – Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord
has been good to you.
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