In An Instant

Have you ever had an experience that only took a couple of seconds, but in that instant your life was changed dramatically?

We're all familiar with the scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:
 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...
 I have two very dear friends who were in a terrible auto accident last Friday afternoon. In that instant, though thanks be to God they survived, their lives have changed and a new season has begun for them.

My friend D is a teacher and was to begin her new year yesterday. Her husband S is a retired school superintendent who was working part time for an educational co-op. It will be quite some time before either is able to return to work.

D's injuries are bad enough, with a broken wrist and the bone around her eye fractured. She is being released from the hospital today, and will have surgery on her wrist Thursday of this week. S has multiple breaks and some internal issues. He will be in the hospital for quite some time. I and they would really appreciate your prayers for them.

So begins a season of hard work to recover. I'm sure to them it will seem like life is "on hold" but I hope and pray they see it as a blessing and a tool to use in the future. We all go through situations that are not pleasant, and down right painful so we can understand and be a minister to someone else going through it later. Or at least sometimes I think that is the reason.

They are both in a great deal of pain. Physically and emotionally. Their family is torn between wanting to be with them and needing to return to work. I hope to help as often as I can and I hope and pray God gives me wisdom in what I do and say.

I am reminded that in an instant we can be facing a trial that only God can bring us through. A season we didn't expect is thrust upon us and only in our relationship to Christ can we endure without complete despair.

Lamentations 3:24
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.

Seasons Change

There are seasons in life, as we all know. Listing them would take me all day, but I don't think I really need to.  For a while now, I have been in the season of loving and playing with this little boy.

That particular season will never be over, but it may change a bit. As he gets older, he gets wiser, and quicker, and grows more into the person he will eventually become. I never thought my role in this would be as strong as it is. Yes, I knew I'd be responsible for teaching him things. About God, about love, sharing, responsibility...all the things that you would normally think a grandparent would do. I find that my role will be a little more complicated than that.

You see, this child is a sponge. A very intelligent sponge. And since he is with me almost as much as he is his parents, I have to fill that sponge with education, love, thinking skills....well, you get the idea.

Yesterday, I had long discussions with three people whose opinion I respect. And after a very long day of no nap with Mr. LMW, it was decided that we will no longer be forcing naptime. Instead, I will have to work toward a more structured plan for the days he is with me. That means using pre-school activities and learning tools.

I am 50+ and it's hard for me to go back like this. I don't begrudge the chore, actually I feel needed and blessed to be able to do it. I'm worried though. Worried that I can't hold up to it, worried that I will not succeed at it, worried that it just simply won't work for us. This is where I have to go to God for major help.

If you would be so kind, remember us in your prayers. I need guidance, I need patience, I need ideas and most of all, I need energy. Just thinking about all this makes me tired. God grant me what I need, when I need it. And may LMW and I have a grand time learning about life together!