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Nothing to Say, But Can't Shut Up - haha! That's what I thought I should call my blog! What I write here might not mean a thing to you and I'm pretty o.k. with that. However, I have an active mind and like to sort things out out loud, so to speak. I also like to have deep conversations so feel free to jump in and comment. I'm glad you showed up and took the time to read. Welcome!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Pain and Praise

Today I am intensely aware of the hurting people in my life. They're all around me (you, too). A relative with cancer, struggling with personal addiction. 2 loving parents doing all they can do to help the family around them - even though it's wearing them out. A dear woman who used to be a part of our family - cancer. An aging aunt - cancer (she doesn't notice she's aging). A dear friend coping, painfully, with MS. Another one I love fighting hard against breast cancer. People I know and love dealing with lost jobs, recession, financial hardship, poor health, loss of parents... the list is long. 

In the middle of this, I'm also painfully aware of my shallow longings and desires for the things of this world which hold absolutely no eternal value. I'm not criticizing anyone but myself; I just notice my love of things and my desire to be accepted. What does it matter? What difference does it make? Vain and empty conceit. Is it Ecclesiastes where Solomon speaks of this?

I wonder to myself... do I live passionately enough for Jesus? The hurting people I mention have varied forms of faith - some very intense, some none at all. The questions flit across my mind - How do some keep their faith? How does anyone cope without it?

I'm slowly reading Ann Voscamp's, 1000 Gifts. The book challenges me to my core. In that very same essence of myself I find myself equally sad and joyful. I'm considering how dark and scary a night can be and hoping, so fervently, that when my darkest time comes I will have known such a passion with Jesus Christ that I can know with confidence that I will again yet praise Him. 

Today I bask in the comfort, joy and peace of my Savior, aware that it is He who filters the events of my life through His hands. He knows the plans He has for me. What sweet comfort this gives. 

2 comments:

  1. stephaine,

    I read your post with much anticipation each time you write about a new topic.

    Your words are from the heart which is something many fail to accomplish in their writing. You tap into a place where few dare to go with written words, yet you do with such ease and grace.

    I know as we get older we begin to see so many of our friends and loved ones suffering with pain that we wish we could ease. We want to as women fix it..make it better , make it go away.

    As my own health has taken such a drastic turn over the last three years I often have to stop and realize there are so many who are in worse pain than myself.

    The one thing you addressed was the want and desires for the things of the world. I think we are all guilty. Yet if I have learned anything over the last several years it is how unimportant they are and have become in my life. If I could only have my health back.. the wanting and desires have so changed.

    I try to look and know that God has a reason for all things in our lives. There is always a lesson to be learned from all of our experiences. Faith gets us through those dark hours even though at times it is hard. Who am I to question a good and loving God. He has blessed me with so much in my life. There have been valleys in my path but there is always sunshine on the mountain..sometimes we just have to see it from a different viewpoint.

    You are very blessed yet very deserving as your priorities in your life are in order. He will always filter your life through His hands and that sweet comfort will always be yours.

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  2. You DID blog about this, and I'm so glad you did!

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