We can often find ourselves on the strangest of journeys. One we would never have picked for ourselves; one we surely wanted done and over with before it began. There are also those journeys, not our own, which we become involved because, well, some days it takes a village – or a family – just to get through.
The journey may even look like this …
You can throw in a pair of crutches and a scooter for the full effect of the journey. Thanks to ankle surgery, a family member is non-weight bearing for a total of eight weeks. And it is hard for all of us because in non-weight bearing, we all are sharing the weight.
The patient needs to persevere and deal with being dependent on others. There is also the inconvenience of it all and the prolonged time it takes to do even the simplest of acts. And then there is the village – aka, the family – who must pitch in and help with the simplest of acts.
But here’s the thing – even in this, we are to remember:
“What is important is faith expressing itself in love”
(Galatians 5:6b, NLT)
The other lessons He has been teaching me the last few weeks include:
- Even when we feel bound by our circumstances, remember Who you are bound with. Paul when writing to the Ephesians, was literally bound with chains and in prison. Yet he urges us, “Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God” (Ephesians 4:1, NLT). In every circumstance, we are to be reflections of the One living inside of us.
- We can find joy in the middle of our circumstances. Paul, while yet in prison and chained to a Roman soldier, reminds us, “Always be full of joy in the Lord, I say it again – rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NLT). Joy comes from knowing God is using it all for our good and for His glory. Even when we may not see it, we trust Him with the outcome.
- No matter what, love God. May nothing we experience in this life diminish our love towards the Lord. Paul blesses us with these words, “Peace be with you, dear brothers and sisters, and may God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you love with faithfulness. May God’s grace be eternally upon all who love our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 6:23-24, NLT). In other words, love the Lord with an undying love.
Love for Christ.
Love for one another.
These are the important things to remember on the journey through life.
Today I am joining … Trekking Thru the Week and #RaRaLInkup .
Great advice! I hope your family member heals well and quickly!
Thank you, Laurie, and much appreciated! Have a great day!
Healing takes time, and, in this case, lots of patience!
Thanks for your example of cheerfully coming alongside a loved one!
It truly takes both! Not sure if my example has always been “cheerfully” but I know the Lord has surely been teaching me a few lessons along the way!
I can speak on that one – it has ALWAYS been cheerfully….way more cheerful than your grumpt “loved one” who has their foot in a cast.
We all go through this together!
Do the lessons ever stop? I think not. Whoever the family member is, they are blessed to have you in their village!xo
They are VERY VERY VERY blessed to have her in their village š
We are blessed to have each other! xo
How wonderful that you can see the lessons in the most earthly of things. Seeking God is a beautiful gift…Keep it up!
Thank you! He is always teaching us in all things.
Oh no! Not a fun thing to happen. But thankful we live in a day where we can have so many helps, both technological and still the old-fashioned kind (i.e. people!!!). š Blessings for a quick recovery to the injured one!