I have been humbled and inspired in recent weeks by unsuspecting people. Many of these people don't even know me and the ones who do don't realize that they have inspired me. I think we all go through seasons in our lives where some days are just better than others. Then there are other seasons that last a very long time and days drag by into weeks and months and it doesn't seem like there is any light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes when we are in a "good" season we take it for granted. Our health is pretty good, our children are doing pretty well, bills are getting paid, everyone is doing well overall. I think it's human nature to take these times for granted because most of us just go through each day and go about our normal business, until one day "normal" isn't normal anymore.
I am an avid follower of Facebook, emails, and information in general. I have stayed away from Twitter because my kids tell me that "old folks" have taken over Facebook and I should stay on that. I just enjoy the "social networking" made available. I know others have their issues with online social networking but for me it is a wonderful way to stay in touch with my huge family, old friends, and sometimes meet new friends. For the past few weeks I have followed several different "events" on Facebook. One of a mother involved in a tragic car wreck, one of a fellow parent battling breast cancer and thus, starting chemotherapy. There is another young girl who was in an accident while skiing, there is a middle-aged father of four boys who had a stroke. And then there is the page of a Williamson County girl whose family was in a wreck during Thanksgiving and her father has a page updating her progress along with her setbacks. I wake up most mornings with these and other families on my heart. The ironic thing is that I only know one of these people, personally. The others are all "friend of a friend." But there is always something that draws me to their story. I am amazed and inspired by the inner strength that each is showing in their horrible "season" that they are dealing with. Every single time I read a "post" I wonder how in the world these people can face their situation with such grace and strength and sometimes really great humor. The thread is the same.......a faith in a God who loves them and a peace through His Holy Spirit that obviously sustains them. I watched the news video of the mother who lost her mother and her 3 year old baby in a wreck, came to a "celebration of life" in a wheelchair because she is literally broken in numerous places, and then I watch in amazement as she sings "Jesus Loves Me" in honor of her daughter. Where does that come from? Where does the strength to sing a praise in our darkest hour come from? Strength to face a second chemotherapy treatment when the first one felt like a release of poison over a two week period. Strength to somehow smile and embrace life even when life can be so unfair.
I often ask myself how I would handle any of these situations and the truth is I don't know because I haven't had to. I hope I would reflect the love and grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus even in the difficult times. I pray that I wouldn't become bitter and seek blame. I know one thing..........these people inspire me. They cause me to embrace my days with a little more purpose. They also cause me to pray with more clarity and watch expectantly for how God will answer those prayers. They let me know that there will be a day when I will just want to put one foot in front of the other. They also are generous enough to allow us into their struggle and allow us to pray for them. I was in a gym the other night for a ballgame and looked around to see some of the people who were in the midst of a dark season maybe last year, or the year before. I remember praying for them and watching as they "put one foot in front of the other" and now to see them smiling and happy just makes my Spirit sing. Life is still difficult, some days are still dark, and I'm sure loneliness creeps in often, but they are LIVING. They are embracing life and getting out and kicking darkness in the behind. I am a sideline watcher and they don't know it but I am cheering so loudly inside for them. Life can be so unfair but God is so good and my prayer after seeing that sweet young mom in her wheelchair is for me to not just sing it but know it in my heart that "Jesus Loves Me" and while we may be weak at times, He is STRONG. On this day I will continue to pray and watch for answered prayers.
