The Kids are Alright...

Do you ever look back over a year and think, I wonder where this next year could possibly take us? I often look at our lives 4 years ago, 12 years ago, 20 years ago, and think, who would have ever thought all of these things would have happened? Some days I pray that we have been through the hardest parts. That no more surprises are ahead and that we can just enjoy. I look around at friends and families whose lives seem free of trouble and are allowed to just enjoy life. Is that really real? Why is my life so much harder? That is not a pity party, because I would not change a thing, just a wonder.
Reese was hospitalized last week with what the docs believe was RSV, a respiratory virus that made it difficult for her to breathe. The cough came on quickly and by the following day, she was flaring her nostrils in order to get enough air. Her temp spiked to almost 103, and that was after Tylenol. She started having febrile seizures. Even Mario was scared, and he doesn't get scared often. I had taken the big girls out for a "girls day" when we got the call from a concerned daddy that we needed to come home right away. Mario doesn't do that. He is the "everything is OK" guy. We rushed home, girls in tears, half because the date ended abruptly, and half because they were worried about their baby sister. When we got home and saw her struggling to breathe, I knew we were headed to the ER. I gathered up the things I knew we would need for an overnight stay and tried not to panic. From Mia's room, I heard wailing cries out to God. Prayers begging God to take care of Reese and to help her breathe. Faith stood quietly and almost shook with fear and sadness. We all prayed together and then I jumped in the car for what turned out to be a three night stay with oxygen, deep suction and Motrin. I missed my trip out of town. I was supposed to leave on Tuesday, and we were still in the "H".
You know what, it is all OK. Reese is doing so much better. The girls are fine. The trip will be there next year.
God uses even these really tough days for good. The quiet of the hospital room allows me to really get quiet with God and hear from Him. I get time to catch up on my reading and meditate on God's Word. I love having time. We got to see God answer our prayers for healing. The girls bonded tighter with their Daddy, as he held down the fort. And our love deepens for Reese every time we get scared for her and see her struggle. She is an amazing little fighter and smiled through the whole thing. Her way of telling me, "It's OK, Mommy."
God has reminded me that the "problem-free" life that I crave is not available here on earth. It's not happening here! He has told us "In this life you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world!" John 16:33
I look forward to the hope that heaven offers for those who confess Jesus as Lord. We do have the hope and assurance of perfection, perfect days, a problem-free existence.
In the meantime, I am cherishing the beauty that comes from difficulty. The beauty of true friends sacrificing time and money to make our lives easier. The beauty of a child pouring her heart out to God. The beauty of prayers offered up around the world on Reese's behalf. The beauty of God revealing himself in the quiet moments in a cold hospital room.
May God shine His light on you in your darkest moments...