Sunday, March 7, 2010

Here for Each Other

I admit there are times when, in spite of all the encouraging words I have dished out, I can get just as discouraged and overwhelmed as anyone else. This past Friday was one of those times.

I had 5 different things I was trying to work through at once and, finally, it all came to a head. I was completely overwhelmed with trying to “fix” everything that wasn’t the way I thought it should be... my recent health issues related to my thyroid, my son’s issues related to his Tourettes Syndrome, my daughter’s issues related to her autism, curriculum issues related to finding the right fit for my children, and my husband’s issues related to the stress he has been under for various reasons. I’ve always been very pro-active in researching various things to help my family and I make the right decisions, and it is enough to have just one of these issues to deal with, let along FIVE of them! (I’m not trying to make anyone feel sorry for me, but am just explaining what I was feeling and how overwhelmed I was at the time.)

However, through the encouragement and prayers of friends and family, I was able to make it through this difficult spell. I am so thankful for all of you who reached out to me in my time of need.

I espeically want to thank Derek Martell for allowing God to speak to me through your sermon at church today. Derek was talking about the trials we go through in life and, at one point said, instead of asking God “Why?” we should ask Him, “What can I do to use this for Your glory?” I realized, at that point, the reason I was so overwhelmed by my recent struggles was because my focus was in the wrong place. I was focusing on ME and how these issues are interfering with MY life when, instead, I should have been focusing on how God can be glorified through them. That’s what life is supposed to be about. Its not about US, but about serving God and glorifying Him in all we do.

So, the next time I get discouraged and overwhelmed by something, I give anyone who is reading this blog permission to remind me of this. And, I hope you will not be upset with me if I remind you of it as well. We are all here for each other, and we need to help keep each other on track.

3 comments:

  1. Vicky, your post reminds me of one of my favorite worship songs...with all the Dave and I have been through with his health (fibromyalgia is not something he'd wish on his worst enemy), there have been times I've screamed at God...but He's always been faithful and true, even when I'm ready to throw in the towel! A couple of years ago, we were really going through a rough time with Dave's pain levels, and the song "Blessed Be Your Name" kept running through my mind. I remember crying in the bathroom at work, but whispering part of the song to myself...I've found this one to be one that comes to mind when I'm going through a hard time. I like that it says "STILL I will say" - reminds me that I have to CHOOSE to praise God and keep trusting Him. And I do choose to...but am wise enough to know it's only because He keeps me able to choose that! And I'm grateful...

    Blessed Be Your name
    When I'm found in the desert place
    Though I walk through the wilderness
    Blessed Be Your name

    Every blessing You pour out
    I'll turn back to praise
    When the darkness closes in, Lord
    Still I will say

    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your name
    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your glorious name

    Blessed be Your name
    On the road marked with suffering
    Though there's pain in the offering
    Blessed be Your name

    Every blessing You pour out
    I'll turn back to praise
    When the darkness closes in, Lord
    Still I will say

    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your name
    Blessed be the name of the Lord
    Blessed be Your glorious name

    You give and take away
    You give and take away
    My heart will choose to say
    Lord, blessed be Your name

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  2. Thank you for pouring out your heart. Yes, sometimes it is difficult to find ways to use our pain for His good.

    Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
    Hebrews 12:11 NKJV

    Love & Prayers to You & Family,
    Rene'

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  3. Vicky, At our Ladies group my Pastors wife said something that really touched my heart .....Instead of why me...think..Wow Me! Last month was a really hard time for me with extended family issues and it was really easy for me to feel victimized...just keep putting your trust in him....he has OUR back!!!:)
    Kathy

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