Sometimes, life moves along so smoothly. During those times, I coast through the days carefree and light-hearted. Viewing life through the lenses of its intricacies and beauty comes easily during these days. I ponder life. I journal. Life is good.
When the hard times descend, however, everything changes. It is then that I wrestle and battle and grapple for understanding. The struggles force an abrupt halt to life’s carryings on. These raw times peel away the layers of self-sufficiency that I so carefully construct.
Two years ago, our family went through a difficult time. Our son, Aaron, developed a 4″ blood clot, was in ICU, then needed surgery to remove a rib (really). He was diagnosed with Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. Johns Hopkins Hospital was incredible in the whole process. They recently did a video about Aaron’s story….
If you hear of a young athlete with shoulder soreness and a swollen arm, please share this video. It could make a huge difference in an early diagnosis and better recovery.
During Aaron’s diagnosis and surgery and recovery, our family was deeply blessed by the care of friends and family. The Lord prompted many people to come alongside us. Our church family surrounded us and handled needs that we did not even realize that we had. I was humbled and so deeply grateful.
After coming through the immediate medical crisis, I found that the Lord had met me in my struggles. He brought a fertile time of reflection and gratitude. If only, I could maintain this attitude at all times! Since Aaron’s surgery, I have sought to be more aware of God’s presence and His gifts…even in the midst of struggles.
Through it all, I have found that God is good. All the time.
Your Thoughts
Do your thoughts and reflections change depending on the condition of the day? I’d love to know how you ponder the days of struggles and the days of calm.
When the 8 cm aneurysm was discovered in my ascending aorta, my husband lived in fear of it ‘exploding’ as we had been told it would. Yes, he trusted God, but he knew God’s will might not be to ‘save’ me. I had surgery, and praise be to God, I survived… and without being paralyzed, as had been a concern of the surgeon. Well, my husband died in December 2013. I am living with the loss, knowing I will see him again. The other day at an ultrasound, to check my heart, the operator found a hole in the graft. Then I was aware of how merciful God is. My husband would have stressed so much.
You are in my prayer, Susan, as you continue this difficult path. Trusting in the Lord AND being ok with the path are not always easy to do.
Thank you Sharon. That comment helps. Been from pillar to post (as the saying goes) today as it seems in the ‘too hard basket’. I DO trust God… but yes, being OK with it is a separate issue. I had not thought of that :)
I’ve experienced more spiritual growth through the tough times (which doesn’t make me look forward to any UPCOMING tough times) and resolved health challenges have helped me to be grateful for much of which I hadn’t taken the time to notice before.
Thanks for sharing your experience with growth, Kelly! It sounds like we are in this boat together!
Much better than being alone!
Amen, Kelly! So true. :-)