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Looking For The Good Is Sacred Work

Scary blood test results.

My ten year old son in a hospital bed, crying to go home.

Signing off on expensive treatments that may or may not be covered by our insurance.

Staying in a hotel room, alone, the rest of my family miles away and struggling to do life without me.

It was one of the worst weeks in my life, to be sure.

There were so many things that hurt. So many feelings that brought me to my knees in worry and fear. So many storms that needed to be weathered.

It was the worst.

 

It was the worst and, oddly, there was still so much good.

Real good – not the forced smile, everything happens for a reason, God doesn’t give us more than we can bear good. (Because seriously, this was way, way more than I could ever possibly bear on my own.)

Doctors that amazed with me with their intellect and wisdom.

Caring nurses that were so sweet to my little boy it brought tears to my eyes.

My girls, bringing me cozy blankets, wine and much needed company.

Friends that sent text messages, funny pictures and heart felt prayers.

A mom-in-law who spoiled my oldest son rotten, and cleaned my entire house in my absence.

My husband, patiently walking around the entire house with me via face time, so I could tell him what to pack and bring me for our stay.

A beautiful, unexpected private patio at the hospital guesthouse.

My little boy, struggling and in pain, but getting noticeably better every day.

The chance to carve pumpkins together and bob for apples, something just a week prior seemed impossible.

Looking for the good is sacred work.

Yes, some seasons are excruciating. And, what I am learning over and over again, is that even in the midst of brokenness, there is so much good.

It’s true – God is close to the brokenhearted. I am a living, breathing example of this.

He has been near in my tears, in all of your prayers, in the smile of my little boy and the tenderness of my husband.

Looking for the good, even when things are bad, matters.

It brings us closer to the sacred.

It acknowledges the vastness of our own lack of understanding.

It comforts, it protects, it saves.

Sometimes, looking for the good, even when it seems like there is none, is the only way we make it through.

Looking for the good in our lives is always sacred work.

Looking for the good is sacred work

As my family transitioned slowly back to our new normal, with dishes to wash, baths to take, reading lessons to complete and bills to pay, I prayed I’d remember that the good is there, right in our midst, even when we are temporarily blinded to it.

I pray it today.

I am convinced this is the only way to make it through the ugly, and still have any semblance of sanity.

Looking for the good is a daily act of obedience, of faith, and of worship.

Looking for the good is sacred work.

 

This post originally appeared on Not The Former Things in 2016.

For More Encouragement And Support:

When You Live Your Life One Moment At A Time

What You Need To Do When Your Child Has Differences

 

 

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9 Comments

  1. Love, love, love this. So true. Thanks for bringing us on your family’s journey, Shawna.

    1. Thank you so much for all your love and support, Kristi!

  2. Beautiful. I’m praying for you and your family.

  3. Jen in Oz says:

    So glad you have a great hubby and the support of other family and friends. Wish I could do more. I appreciate your honest heart and wish I could give you a hug or bring you something to help. All I can do is pray, pray that your doctors are wise, that your nurses are kind, that your son is able to heal and that answers are found soon so that you can return home.

    Best wishes
    Jen in Oz

    1. I am grateful for your prayers and kind words, Jen. Thank you!

  4. December C. says:

    Lord continue to supply our sister and her family with your perfect grace. Be the proper care for her son by being in the Nurses and Doctor’s hands. Thank you for being the “all things” baptism. Baptizing us deeper into you. Amen.?

  5. I, so sorry y’all are going through this rough time. I’ll be praying for you. Your post always touch me in so many ways.

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