Thankfulness bubbles over in my heart like a giant bubble bath. One of those moments where thankfulness and gratitude don’t even seem to cover it. It’s like saying a child is happy as they come down the stairs Christmas morning. More like ecstatic, delighted, joy-filled.
This week my heart is overwhelmed, relieved, amazed, appreciative.
It started on a normal Wednesday morning like any other morning. Dress self, diaper and dress one-year-old, start getting breakfast ready. As I went through the motions I heard crying. Making my way to the bathroom I found my husband standing in firm observation mode while my daughter cried in pain as she could not stand or walk. Her little legs were shaking in pain.
Having no idea what we were dealing with I packed a bag and scooped my daughter into my arms. The next 15 hours were intense however God’s presence and peace went with us every step of the way. God gave strength that this pregnant momma did not have. God gave words and touches to comfort the very scared three-year-old. God gave us people praying for the best. God gave us caring doctors and staff. God gave this momma the ability to hope for the best yet prepare for the worst.
The overwhelming God presence that went with us and before us that day is still astounding. God knew the outcome. God knew what my little three-year-old needed and God knew what this mommy heart needed too.
IV, blood work, x-rays, ambulance ride, ultrasound, sedation and a procedure filled our 15 hours together in hospital rooms. My little three-year-old is so strong and brave. She cried. She held me tight yet she was compliant. Every step of the way I explained what was about to happen the best way I knew how. I gave her my one hundred percent attention. I gave her my heart, my mind, my presence. I gave my little girl everything I had.
Somehow in all this, there is a lesson for me. A lesson about giving my all. In those two days in the hospital, my daughter had me. Me and nothing less. No distracted mommy.
When was the last time I gave God my all, my everything, me and nothing less? When was the last time my Father had my one hundred percent attention? My heart, my mind, my presence?
I get distracted. Caught up in the life. But what is this life? It can change quickly without warning. Life is vapor. Eternity is forever. Eternal life is worth thinking about now, today.
I challenge you wherever you find yourself today. Stop. Where is your focus? Who is your focus?
Now, I won’t leave you hanging. My daughter is home and doing well. You would never know she couldn’t walk just a week ago. The doctors discovered she had fluid on her hip. After removing the fluid she improved significantly. We really don’t know how the fluid got there, but I do know that God is good.
Often times we have to walk through things we don’t understand. In this situation, I choose to see what God gave me. I do know that I learned more about my daughter, the hospital, the body of Christ, and God through this walk. It was hard. However, I can say it was worth it.
I am overwhelmed and amazed by my good, good Father.
Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. NLT
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. NIV
