I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Romans 8:18-19 (NIV)
Today was a hard day. In the back of my mind was my dad’s illness. Yesterday, his kidneys started to shut down. Praise God they started working again, but it left me troubled. He has always been so strong and vibrant. The last few years have taken their toll. His best friend died earlier this week. He did not think he could make the trip to the funeral even though I offered to take off work and drive him there. I am on the edge of becoming the caregiver now. I ask questions of him about his health, but he is reluctant to share just yet. Soon, I will have to know. It was good that we did not try to travel as he has been so sick, but he is sad to know he will miss the services. I am sad for him. Add into the mix that youngest son wrecked his car. Not bad enough for him to be hurt and no other cars were involved. It was just the right amount of bang to get his attention and perhaps make him listen when we tell him to slow down and be more careful. Thankfully my husband is a parts man so the car will get fixed. In time, when my teenager has thought about the error of his ways. Compounding personal problems are difficulties at work. Budget cuts loom over my head. We are all waiting for the ax to fall. Can we even afford to purchase office supplies? Some departments cannot even buy pencils or paper. How will we do our work? Our biggest special event of the year is around the corner. Will we have enough volunteers to pull it off? Two historic buildings are being restored. Will we raise enough money to finish those jobs? A museum needs insurance on its contents in order to receive an artifact loan that we need for an exhibit. It is in a coastal high hazard area. No one wants to insure it. In the midst of my day, an employee goes home sick. I must take her place at two hearings regarding children in foster care. Such sweet faces. How will they manage with their clueless parents? A friend asked me how I was doing. I faced the same dilemma I always do when life is not going well. Do I smile and say fine? Or am I real and admit my struggles? Compared to most of the world, my life is a piece of cake. I have so little to complain about. Will she take my honesty wrong? Does it reflect poorly on God if His child has a bad day or two? Can I be a Christian and still be sad? Finally, I confess my struggles. I pray that knowing that everyone has difficulties will be an encouragement to my friend. I want God to be glorified. Somehow, I think He will be even though I do not pretend that life is always easy.
Hang in there kiddo! I know your dilemma. Here we are supposed to be showing the light to others and we have days that we struggle just to get through and stay on the high side. I think we are supposed to be real – so many non-christians think that we are supposed to be perfect – we are not – we are just like them – the only difference is that we are part of a kingdom and we are always in His presence because He is in us. Wherever we go, whatever we do, He is there, we are NOT alone. I found a song that stays very close to my heart. It is called ‘In Your Presence O God by Lynn Deshazo. The words stay in my head as I go through my day and even if the going is rough, the truth in the words of this song keep me grounded and keep me going strong.
Yes, yes and yes. My heart breaks for what surrounds you with your Dad. When our parents reach a point in their lives when we become the caregivers it not only teaches us much about ourselves and our character but also our weaknesses…much of that which we would rather not know. However, you are strong and God continues to give all his children enough light for the step that they are one. One day at a time, one step at a time. Thinking of you with heartfelt prayers.
Hi Cathy,
I’m sorry your father is ill. I hope he improves and in the meantime my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care.
I know what you’re talking about – especially with your father. Tomorrow my husband and I will drive the 2 1/2 hours to see my father in a nursing home. He wants out of there, but my mother cannot care for him, although lately he has been doing better…..we all have difficult days, and admitting to it just makes us human and allows God to hold us up.
Cathy, I’m so sorry for all you and your family are going through. Even though I’ve been scarce here, I have prayed for y’all.
I think its good for ‘the world’ to se that we are still human, that our lives aren’t perfect and we don’t expect them to be. The way we deal with our problems is a much better witness than a facade of perfection.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve been learning lately is to ‘praise Him in the storm.’ It’s pretty much two steps forward, one step back… and I often feel like I’m faking it till I make it… but I think I’m making progress, slowly but surely. 8-}
Have a JESUS-filled day! ^i^