Photo Credit: hanninski/Creative Commons
Well, I’m not gonna lie.
The last seven days or so have been like a ride on a roller coaster. Backwards.
My mama is getting better. Each day brings improvement and increased mobility. I’m so thankful that God raised up caring, compassionate caregivers at the hospital during and after her surgery. She’s home now and getting better each day. We have a long road ahead, but we’re trusting God for His provision. A huge “thank you” to my prayer warriors!
It’s never easy to see our loved ones go through the valley. It zaps our strength and plays with our mindset. We want to shoulder the burden for them and we have the tendency to go, go, go until we’re completely exhausted.
I love how God steps in at just the right time and lifts our burden onto His big, broad shoulders. I honestly don’t know what folks do without Him.
Which leads me to the thought for the day: Yesterday’s crud is tomorrow’s victory!
Can’t we all think back to those difficult seasons in our lives? Those times that seemed like never-ending pit stops to pain and heartache?
Remember, too, when we thought those days would last forever? Where each day would merge mercilessly with the next and a brighter tomorrow seemed distant and unattainable?
And then…slowly…inexplicably…the sun started to inch its way past the clouds and we began to see daylight.
Life is like that. The peaks and the valleys, the drama and the lulls are all lessons in refinement. As much as we hate it, it’s a process we can’t avoid and one that grows us in ways like nothing else can.
I know in my own life, I’ve dealt with more than a few hard knocks:
- My son’s chronic illness, surgeries, and hospitalizations
- My father’s aneurysm
- My husband’s sudden downsizing after a 20 year career
- My mother’s open heart surgery
- Two tornadoes within five years
- The loss of loved ones
…But God has also blessed:
- Our son was healed in a way we’d not planned, dreamed, or hoped.
- My parents live close. (Think Walton-like close.) I’m able to see them each and every day.
- My husband has moved on while his previous company is battling to stay afloat.
- We’re smack-dab in Tornado Alley, but I’m thankful for our “safe room.” (We had no idea just how much use we’d get out of it when we built!)
- Our loved ones are in heaven and we know we’ll see them again one day.
If you’re in the middle of a drought just now, I want to encourage you to not lose heart. Don’t jump ship or cower in fear. Don’t dwell on every jot and tiddle of what’s gone wrong and why it’s happening to you. I know you’ll want to. That’s human nature.
Your worry is the enemy’s greatest pleasure. He thrives on it. Don’t give him the satisfaction.
Remember–
Christ has paved the way for something bigger and better in your life. He’s broken sound barriers, built fortresses, and defeated death.
He’s knows your heart. He understands your fear. He’s in tune to your sorrow.
He’s working behind the scenes in your life at this very moment. You don’t have to figure out what to do with the crud; He has it well under control.
Even in the midst of what seems like chaos, our Heavenly Father is working in, around, up, over, and inside-out of every single hardship and heartache you have.
Shed those tears.
Be hurt, angry, scared, and confused.
Then…
Pray.
Confide in a friend.
Carry on.
Buck up.
Break out.
Blaze a different trail.
With the new God grants you.
******
When has God taken your “crud” and made something new?
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Photo Credit: hanninski/Creative Commons
Happy Friday and Blessings Always,
Comments 13
I’m so glad your Mama is feeling better 🙂 Hang in there!
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Lisa: Thanks so much for your kind encouragement!
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Jess: I would love that! (Think we’d get much writing done?? LOL)
Oh my this was so so so so encouraging today. I love your heart and your attitude! I just need to spend every single day with you, Cindy! 🙂
I’m glad your mother is improving, Cindy. Even so, I’m sure seeing her in her weakened state is difficult. My heart goes out to you as you care for her. I pray for her continued recovery and thank the Lord you’re close enough to be there for her. I’m sure having you by her side means a great deal to her. Hugs.
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Keli, thanks for those hugs! We’re blessed that Mama is progressing a little more each day. My sister and I are tag-teaming our caregiving efforts and that’s a huge blessing, too.
I’m happy to hear your mom is improving steadily. What a blessing to have her nearby. My husband’s parents are 400+ miles away, and their recent health issues have birthed a difficult season for he and his siblings.
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Patti, I’m so sorry about your husband’s parents. I can’t imagine living that far away from your loved ones while they are experiencing health problems. I’ll add their needs to my prayer list, friend!
So sorry to hear of the backward rollercoaster, Cynthia! But glad to hear your mother is doing better. And reading over your list of things that have happened…two tornadoes in 5 years!!! AGH! One tornado is bad enough. I know that’s something you never forget (from my meager experience with the derrecho last summer and extended power outage). PRAYING for your mama. And praying for you!
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Heather, thank you! We all experience those rollercoaster times, don’t we? Don’t know how we’d make it without the Lord.
Thank you, Cynthia.
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Patti, delighted!
Saw your tweet on this post – Excellent post, Cynthia. So encouraging. Glad your mother is getting better. I’ve kept her in my prayers, as well as you.
I had gone through a season of pain recently. I can now see certain things that God did for me, and protected me from during that time. He is always working for the good.
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Loree, I’m so sorry for your pain, friend! (((hugs!)))
I greatly appreciate your prayers and I’m lifting you up, as well. I’m thankful He’s in control of the bigger picture because we’d certainly make a mess of it…