May 15, 2014
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| (Chuck with VA Doctor, Dr. George) |
As I sit here, very early, watching the heavy fog lifting from the lake on this May 15, my mind travels back two years ago today.
I can actually tell you what I was wearing at this very moment two years ago....not that you care or want to know.....but I remember it that well.
It was a Tuesday and I was witnessing one of our best friends live out his last day. His wife and I sat quietly with him that day, watching as his breaths became fewer and fewer.....praying God would pour out mercy and offer him relief from this horrible disease in a dimly lit nursing home room. We sat most of that day next to him.....stroking his hand...his hair....and remembering all the crazy situations he and Chuck had gotten themselves into over the years and how she and I would always have to rescue them from themselves.
Just two weeks earlier, I had prayed this same prayer of mercy as Mom breathed her last breath.
Later in the day....this day two years ago.....I found myself rushing the 5 hours home from our dying friend's side to be by my own husband's side as the doctor gave us the news he had broken his hip and needed immediate surgery.
So.......why am I rehashing that difficult day two years ago today? Because I have learned in these past two years, that life can be pretty crappy sometimes.....it will throw things at you when you're least prepared.....and ya,
LIFE.CAN.SUCK.
And about the time you're ready to body slam yourself to the floor kicking and screaming "Why me?", along comes a beautiful purple iris that your Mom had given you a cutting from 5 years earlier....blooming for the first time......and you hear yourself say, "Awww.....Life Is SO Good".
See, although life can be a struggle most every day.....and this is coming from a woman who has a massive scar on the top of her head that closely resembles the State of Texas all from a tiny, ticked-off freckle....we are told to hold tightly to James 1:2-3, "When troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow".
LIFE IS GOOD....."because" of these struggles.
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16 comments:
I love your blog today!! Exactly
what I needed to hear! You are
such a great writer and I Love you!
So true. Life's hard most of the time, but we're becoming (slowly) like Christ. I needed to hear this today. Thanks, Liz. Love you.
Thank you, my Beautiful Friend!
Liz, I remember this time in your life so well...and being totally amazed at how well you do handle the tragedies of life...because of your faith. You are a tremendous encourager! Love you, friend.
That is so good Liz! And so true... By the way, Mike and Anne picked up about a dozen bulletins from church.... They loved your article so much that Sunday! They gave me one... I personally think it's the best thing I've ever read from you... I mean they're all good, but this one was perfect! It was the one on What Really Matters, from May 4.
Love you and your amazing gifts!
"Look to The Lord and His strength; seek His face always." Psalm 105:4
Liz! AMEN.... Man I've wanted to write you notes and respond to your blog so many times, but I just keep getting busy with life… so instead of waiting for the day when I get out my fancy stationary... It'll have to be this reply email...ha!...I think of you often, and pray for you! It is crazy how real a blog can make situations. It makes me feel like you are one of my close friends going through some hard things... I am able to live it with you in a small way. Thank you for Being so vulnerable, real, encouraging, and for continuing to allow Jesus to carry you through!
Love you friend!
Priscilla :)
Very well put. Thank you for this uplifting message.
Jackie
We are survivors and somehow find a way to get thru. Thank you for reminding me that God blesses us each day if we are just paying attention. And this is how we survive, by paying attention to our Savior who leads us to that place of peace. thanks for your blog today. love you, Joy
Liz, I find it haunting when you post such insightful words at a time when I so need to hear them. I say this because my 95 year old mother died on May 7, leaving me with an emptiness not only because she had been in my life for so many years, but also because we would never get the chance to be the kind of friends that we could have been, because she wouldn't listen or let me in.
I love you Liz for being so aware of such painful things at a time when I sorely need it.
Love you,
Margie
AMEN!
"Well said."
Thanks Liz – you always come through at the right time. Love from McKinney Helen
I love this. Thank you for sharing and for your text.
I loooovvveeed Sunday. Such a special place and you and Chuck are amazing and so kind. Thank you for giving me an oasis.
See you Monday!
Jenni
U r so right girl life can b sooo painful it's hard to breathe. Or so joyful u cry. Life is just that joy mixed with sorrows the good the bad. The ugly. The awesome beauty. The prone of earth made new n the perfect life after is what this life is all about. Getting ready for that Xgreat day. This world is not our home we're just a passin' thru
Made me cry. I love you very much
Those are true, TRUE words - well spoken words. If people would just grab hold, it would mean freedom over bondage. You are so precious to me. Much love, Liz
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