James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
So, I must ask, how many trials does one have to have to test our faith? Or, how immature am I that I face the trials that I do?! I asked Dave a couple of days ago to give me a verse for my blog for the New Year. James 1:2-3 was the verse that he gave me. I sat down and wrote a few things but it just wasn't coming out smoothly so I deleted it all. The reason that Dave gave me this verse is because we have been experiencing several trials over the past few days...weeks...months or should I say years?!! No, we all have great health. No, our house is didn't burn down. No, we are not unemployed. So, why is it that we forget how blessed we are when we are in the midst of difficulties even when they are small?
Recently, our mini van stopped working and we found that it will need a new engine...we have only owned this van for 1 1/2 years. Our heating system has not been working right for at least 10 years and no one knows how to fix it. A lot of shingles blew off of our roof during the last winter storm. The closet door in Danielle's room is broken. These are some of the things that Dave was referring to and I just couldn't get in the rythm to blog about them.
It wasn't until just a few minutes ago that this verse came back to my memory. You see on Christmas Eve we spent the day with family and later found out that one of them became very sick with the flu after we left. So, we have been in the lurch waiting for it to hit our family. On Thursday we went to church for prayer and had picked up pizza to eat with our Life Group before hand. One of the children got sick unexpectedly...twice. We went home and the child was laughing about how everyone was afraid of him. He did not seem to be sick but we wanted to be careful since we had been exposed. He didn't do anything else after that. Must have been a fluke.
Just 45 minutes ago, 2 full days after the first child got sick, I was sitting here at the computer working on our school schedules when another child came and stood behind me. I kept typing until I heard a HORRIBLE sound. Now let me explain that in our family, horrible sounds happen all of the time. Alarm is not necessary at every one. Except there should have been an alarm in my mind this time! As the warm and very smelly fluid splatted on my back I realized that it was time to be alarmed. Too late as usual!!
My last blog was about 'Telling the Truth'. I must keep my word and tell you that I was NOT happy and thought that the child was just making those grose sounds to be funny and accidently got sick. After my shower and a few stern words of rebuke, I realize that this was not their intent. It was hard for me to have compassion on this sick child due to the laughing that she/he was doing!! All is well now and Dave's office chair is airing out on the driveway.
Persevere? Survive!? Stay sane?! Be joyful in all circumstances?! Be compassionate?! Hmmm...I guess God is still working on me!!
3 comments:
Hi! I spoke with mom a couple of hours ago and she told me about your car and heat issues, but she didn't mention the flu. Sometimes it seems like everything is a challenge. You are right, though that we have many blessings we often lose sight of when we are facing multiple challenges. I strive to look on the bright side of every issue and influence those around me to do the same, but it can be very difficult at times. I know that you and Dave also try to see things in a positive light and I applaud you both. You are amazing people and you are raising an amazing family.
So...the bright side of the flu? Getting it often means losing a pound or two...most of the children are old enough to get to the bathroom or at least aim for a bucket...remember what it was like when they were much younger? If they fail to take action soon enough at least you'll have clean sheets!!
Hang in there...things will get better!! I love you and will be thinking of you all!!
Aunt Donna
So sorry that someone else is sick! Love you and love your 'persevering' attitude! :)
Donna, thank you for your kind words!! I thought of you while I wrote about this since you have always told me that I should write these type of things down!! Let me tell you that having warm puke on my back was quite disgusting!! I keep thinking that I smell it where ever I am in the house!! :)! I think I am doing pretty good since I can still laugh!
Love you! Dawn
Post a Comment