Arms of Love

I mentioned in a couple of posts ago that I need knee replacement surgery. Nothing was planned at that time but now it is.  One thing I have come to appreciate through all this is something many of us take for granted...someone's arms of love.

When we go through major situations in our life we often or usually have a spouse, partner or family close by. So then what happens when we don't?  When I say family I mean immediate family; I am not discounting the in-law side at all, but it's not the same. This is when I miss my husband who was there to hold my hand during times like this! 

Preparing details has brought me to the realization that we do have options.  As friends have said, "I can help. Be sure and let me know what I can do." It takes a willingness to open up to these offers, as much as we certainly don't want to impose or put them out! 

Yes, I would like it if I could coop up in an inpatient rehab for a couple of weeks but what happens if that does not materialize? So, with every phone call, every offer to help I am slowly realizing how blessed I am for friends, who I believe really mean what they say.

Where is my faith that all will work out?  If I truly believe what I say, now is the time to put it into practice. It's hard but sort of like Peter seeing Jesus who calls him to walk to Him on the water.  For a second it works, until he takes his eyes off of Jesus.  And when Jesus holds him up, Peter cries, "don't let me go, don't let me go!"  Jesus won't let me go either.  He won't let any of us go!  

He's got a strong grip on us through any tough situation we may find ourselves in.  This Christmas season is that time to renew our belief that the tiny Christ Child is there for each of us and will not let us go.  We must be like that child, in need of friends and family who are in our life to hold us in their arms of love. We must let them!

Courtesy of Pixabay

Light

 A few times in the past several weeks my friends have commented on their anticipation of Dec. 23 when the darkest day will come but with knowing the days will begin to get longer, more light.  I think many of us share that same thought.  

You know what is also coming December 25! How many of us share the sentiment that if it were not for the faith that that Child Jesus brought, available to each of us, hardships, trials and challenges would be much harder to get through.  Often my friends have said, "I don't know what I'd do without my faith!"

Yes, our faith in God, can be a huge light in our life, and even a wonderful strength for others who witness it in us.  One friend of mine has commented in the past, "you have a really strong faith, don't you!" It was a compliment for sure. 

My parish offered a bible class using the series "The Chosen" which was for 3 seasons.  At the end I commented that I had attended many bible classes but this was one I never wanted to miss, watched the weekly movies multiple times and got so much out of them.  Other class members agreed wholeheartedly. 

In this day and age, we need something to hang our hat on.  For me, it is knowing Someone, (Jesus), has gone through far worse than me and does understand when my (our) journey gets tough.  This gives me peace.  Some days I don't feel so strong but we are encouraged to keep on.

So, with Christmas in a few days, I don't think it is a coincidence that the days will get lighter earlier. With Jesus in our life, He says that his "yoke is easy and my burden light" (Mt. 11:30) and by taking on His yoke our life might get lighter too, offering a light beyond all understanding. 

Merry Christmas to each of you and yours!  

Courtesy of Pixabay

Diving Board or Steps?

 Ever go swimming,  run right up the diving board to dive in to get in fast?  Or are you one who slowly walks down the steps to get wet? Life is sort of like that.  For the most part, I like the diving board. 

Have you ever anticipated something, hoping to correct a situation, and certainly knew your solution was the answer, only to hear a better solution, even if temporary. Reminds me of asking God for something, assisting you in solving an issue and the answer was "not just yet!"

Well, this was my answer in response to my need, as the m.d. told me, there are reasons to slow down a bit. Even though those weren't specifically spoken, the gist of it is that conservative attempts to alleviate pain are being tried for now. 

When there are a couple of underlying issues that would be best to minimize before surgery it all makes sense.  As one of my non-medical friends said with this analogy the picture is like "walking down the steps into the pool rather than diving off the board into it!" Yup, this was a good one!  I will eventually "get into the pool" but at this moment, not as fast as I had planned.

Of course, the saying goes, "tell God your plans and see what HE says!!" So, many  of you have been praying for my cause, of which I thank you.  Now, please keep praying for me so I know God's will in the rest of this picture. Timing is of concern.  

I often tell clients that God will guide and not let a person down.  I truly believe this grace is for each of us to know what to do in circumstances.  Right now, it probably means that trusting the slower approach will still get me into a pool of healing and will yield just as good of results as diving in, even if it takes a bit longer! 

Courtesy of Pixabay