Monday, February 2, 2009

On our Current Trial

I thought it would be good to virtually jot down for posterity how God is taking care of us in our tough set of circumstances right now. It helps me process things and reminds me that I have much to be thankful for.

Tonight one of the most giving people at church brought us a meal. It was a meal fit for a king, no pun intended. In fact, I'll describe it here so you know what to bring someone next time you need ideas for meal ministry:

Pork chops
Mashed potatoes
Pureed summer squash
Spinach and Spring Mix salad with cherry tomatoes, cukes, and avocado
A loaf of homemade oatmeal bread
A container of homemade applesauce to eat on the pork
(from apples grown in their own yard--a rare feat in Wyo.)
A fluffy, orange-cream, cheese-cake-like pie

In addition to this, the deacon board at our church surprised us and gave us a couple of gas cards which will help with expenses to and from Billings. And a young man my hubby works with and knows from Youth Group offered to drive him to Billings today for his check-up. Yay, I don't have to go!

We're anxious to find out more from the doctors about how everything is healing and how long his cast will be on, etc. I have a ton of paperwork to complete this week what with financial forms, medical bill stuff, doing our taxes, and getting regular bills paid. I'm sure I'll feel like a full-time secretary at the end of this week!

One other blessing is that when King Jo worked out the February budget, he found that we can get by on a lot less than he had originally realized and so instead of taking his whole week of paid vacation last week, he only took 3 days and saved 2. By taking less pay, he can stretch his two weeks of vacation into at least 3 weeks of taking it easy and healing up.

I see God working in this situation and I know it was in His plan. I see my husband feeling so much better and talking about working part-time this week (varnishing with his right hand) and things look so much brighter. I see folks helping us and offering help and it's such a blessing. I have had moments of resentment though when I feel like I've been serving people endlessly all day and just want a few minutes to sit down and yet things always come up that need to be done. I was especially overwhelmed the other day staring at a mountain of dirty dishes and thinking about the fact that we won't be getting a dishwasher this spring, something hubby had hinted at a few weeks ago since we had some extra money and he knows it would really bless me. There are other things weighing on my mind, but instead of worrying I just have to give them to God and trust that no matter how uncomfortable trials can be, God is using them for my good.

I also know there are folks going through so much more than we are. I'm so blessed to have options and people around me who can help. There are people in Africa who have to watch their children die for lack of food/money/jobs. There are people like Hannah Overton, unjustly accused and stuck in prison, apart from her little kids and husband. There are people who have been in car accidents or are paralyzed and are in constant physical pain. Our time of temporary scarcity is nothing compared to these things!

5 comments:

Thia said...

Praise the Lord for His provision. It's wonderful to hear how He is meeting your needs!

Randall and Rachel Beita said...

God is so good and always faithful! He has provided in ways you probably never imagined and also in giving you both wisdom to use what is available as best as you can.

Anonymous said...

Lindsey, I'm right at the place where you are! My husband (a handyman, and the sole source of income in our home) was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December (he's only 47). He had surgery on Jan. 2, so he has been out of work while recuperating. I have started a list called "The Windows of Heaven" to remind me of how God is richly blessing us every day! We've received several grocery gift cards, checks, food, and grant money from the hospital. I, too, have felt like a full-time secretary! My three girls are teenagers, though, so that part is easier for me! We are all praying for you, and I praise God for his love and provision!

Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for sharing Peggy! I hope and pray your husband recovers soon. Cancer is so much scarier than a broken wrist. We'll pray for your family too during this time. I can't believe how much paperwork there is to fill out for things! Uuhg!

It's neat to hear how God is taking care of you. I really like the Windows of Heaven idea!

If you have a blog, let me know the address so I can check it out.

Peggy Lorenz said...

Sorry, no blog! :) My husband Mark will have to have radiation and chemo after he recuperates from his surgery, as the cancer had spread somewhat before it was discovered. We're hoping he'll feel well enough to work through the later phases of this, but will have to take one day at a time. Our families and church family have been wonderful, so I know we'll be okay. Thank you for your prayers!

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