2013 has so far been a madcap year. It was one of those years when we thought things would quiet down and we could have something called normal. Yeah right!
We were given a promise of hope and recovery this year, and DD had planned to build up his client list and I thought I would finish some books finally, so we set forth to do those things that we planned to do.
There was nothing normal about this year, one trauma after another. DDs amputated foot infected, I had a bug that left me unable to function despite every precaution. Winter left and Spring came and we missed a lot of it through various situations and illnesses. I know many families go through far worse situations today and far worse fears, but to us these were huge, as we watched helplessly while our loved one suffered, and our children were ill too, so no-one could help anyone else. That was not usual for us. We weren't used to not being able to help each other. We did the best that we could though, and stood by prayer and we have a great foot doctor and the support of faithful friends.
This all seemed overwhelming, but through it all, we also saw the good. We didn't have it as bad as some. During this time we still managed to do the things we needed to do: he worked, I wrote, while we waited patiently to do the things we enjoy most like playing chess and gardening.
Improvements came little by little, and we could tell the difference. Then a good day here, a quiet moment there, writing, working, playing chess, little moments. I'm on the mend. I got to hold food down and started to recover. Today we got good news that DD's foot is getting better and a rush to the doctor thinking something dire happened, was answered by, It's nothing, just a side effect, no worries. What Relief!
Sometimes the bigger noise seems to overpower those precious quiet times, and make you feel like they don't exist, but don't let them. Step back and look at the little good moments or create your own. Find a reason to celebrate in tiny victories until the big ones come. These tiny victories will improve self esteem, and provide joy enough so you can move on to the bigger ones.
Ours came through a perfect lunch with each other, playing chess, and a piece of good news after hard stress, the result of faith through Christ put with action, and the support of family and friends at just the right time. During the quiet times alone, we reflect on being thankful for what we do have.
These tiny victories may not seem much when facing infections, or hardship, but they are major victories just because of that. It is easy to praise when things go well, not so much when things are upside down. The hardships teach us how bad it can get. Then because we do know how bad it can get, we rejoice when these little treasures happen.
We rest in the scripture that says the trials of faith brings patience, and that Jesus leaves peace, not like the world gives, but as he gives, to us. Yes, I am paraphrasing here, but the message rings true.
If we hang on to Christ, he will bring us the good days. He makes us feel peace when we feel upside down and our peace seems hidden.
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