Today to be honest I was feeling pretty weary. Weary of this long ordeal of Joshua being in the ICU, weary of not being able to see his eyes or hold him or at times even touch him, weary of my husband being gone (at the hospital), and our family being separated. We miss them so much. It has been over a month...since December 30th. Visits just are too short.
Yet, I am reminded of God's will for us to be thankful...in everything. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The only way to be thankful in everything is to focus on Him...who He is and what He did for us. ("For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). If this world was all there was, than we'd have good reason to complain or fear when things don't go our way. Knowing that God is all-powerful and Sovereign gives peace knowing He is in control. Knowing He loves me and hears my prayers ,that He is good, and that He loves Joshua perfectly, gives me comfort. Knowing that He has already provided for my greatest need (for salvation and a relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ) produces perspective and gratitude. Pray we can remember this and rest in The Lord.
I have so much to be thankful for in this situation, and I wanted to share some of them.
We could never express fully what all the support we've received has meant to us. But here are some things I'm thankful for:
- the excellent, attentive, and compassionate care Joshua is receiving
- the kindness of staff towards us, and going out of their way to provide a place for John to stay so he can be there with Joshua
- my husbands company being supportive of him working remotely via computer
- my husband's patience and willingness to be there with Joshua to oversee his care
- my children's flexibility and patience during this trial
- my parents (and johns brother) coming to help us and and be with our children so I could be at the hospital when needed
- my sister helping care for my grandad so my parents can stay over when needed
- friends driving me in to see Joshua, even in the wee hours
- friends doing outdoor/house work
- the prayers of many (including many we've never met) on behalf of our boy....even in different countries..Canada, England, Ukraine, Papua New Guinea, Austrailiaa
- the comments and emails of encouragement from people reminding us we're not alone
- our church family and friends doing laundry, grocery shopping, bringing some meals, errands etc
- thoughtful cards and gifts cards sent in the mail
- a sweet dinosaur sent to us by a little boy who told his mom, "Jesus will heal Joshua!" And whose school is praying for him
- sweet girls giving their change to our family
- prayer shawls sent to Joshua
- People wearing BLUE to support Joshua :) organized by our second cousin
- a friend getting up to pray in the wee hours some nights; another praying most the night when he was critical
- friends and my parents visiting Joshua and us in the hospital
- getting in touch with family and friends we had lost contact with
- that our son, once an unloved orphan, has a family and many people who care about him
- each new day that Joshua is with us and each progress he makes
- the things we are learning through this
Please know that each prayer, encouragement or act of service is valued and blesses us.
Today John had sent us a video of Joshua because he was VERY awake and active. For a long time he was on a paralytic and sedation meds. They stopped his paralytic awhile back so he could move a little and recently they changed his sedation med, afterwhich he had started moving his mouth, hands and feet more for periods but never has he been THIS awake. John ended up calling us on a video call so we could see him...he was opening his eyes wide and moving all his limbs.....much like how Joshua usually is. The neat thing was he didn't seem distressed just very active. It was really cool to "see" him again, even if for a few minutes. They had to sedate him more as he's at risk to dislodge his breathing tube. Thankful for that unexpected blessing.
Yet, I am reminded of God's will for us to be thankful...in everything. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The only way to be thankful in everything is to focus on Him...who He is and what He did for us. ("For God so loved the world that He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). If this world was all there was, than we'd have good reason to complain or fear when things don't go our way. Knowing that God is all-powerful and Sovereign gives peace knowing He is in control. Knowing He loves me and hears my prayers ,that He is good, and that He loves Joshua perfectly, gives me comfort. Knowing that He has already provided for my greatest need (for salvation and a relationship with Him, through Jesus Christ) produces perspective and gratitude. Pray we can remember this and rest in The Lord.
I have so much to be thankful for in this situation, and I wanted to share some of them.
We could never express fully what all the support we've received has meant to us. But here are some things I'm thankful for:
- the excellent, attentive, and compassionate care Joshua is receiving
- the kindness of staff towards us, and going out of their way to provide a place for John to stay so he can be there with Joshua
- my husbands company being supportive of him working remotely via computer
- my husband's patience and willingness to be there with Joshua to oversee his care
- my children's flexibility and patience during this trial
- my parents (and johns brother) coming to help us and and be with our children so I could be at the hospital when needed
- my sister helping care for my grandad so my parents can stay over when needed
- friends driving me in to see Joshua, even in the wee hours
- friends doing outdoor/house work
- the prayers of many (including many we've never met) on behalf of our boy....even in different countries..Canada, England, Ukraine, Papua New Guinea, Austrailiaa
- the comments and emails of encouragement from people reminding us we're not alone
- our church family and friends doing laundry, grocery shopping, bringing some meals, errands etc
- thoughtful cards and gifts cards sent in the mail
- a sweet dinosaur sent to us by a little boy who told his mom, "Jesus will heal Joshua!" And whose school is praying for him
- sweet girls giving their change to our family
- prayer shawls sent to Joshua
- People wearing BLUE to support Joshua :) organized by our second cousin
- a friend getting up to pray in the wee hours some nights; another praying most the night when he was critical
- friends and my parents visiting Joshua and us in the hospital
- getting in touch with family and friends we had lost contact with
- that our son, once an unloved orphan, has a family and many people who care about him
- each new day that Joshua is with us and each progress he makes
- the things we are learning through this
Please know that each prayer, encouragement or act of service is valued and blesses us.
Today John had sent us a video of Joshua because he was VERY awake and active. For a long time he was on a paralytic and sedation meds. They stopped his paralytic awhile back so he could move a little and recently they changed his sedation med, afterwhich he had started moving his mouth, hands and feet more for periods but never has he been THIS awake. John ended up calling us on a video call so we could see him...he was opening his eyes wide and moving all his limbs.....much like how Joshua usually is. The neat thing was he didn't seem distressed just very active. It was really cool to "see" him again, even if for a few minutes. They had to sedate him more as he's at risk to dislodge his breathing tube. Thankful for that unexpected blessing.
2 comments:
So glad that your gorgeous boy is staying strong. He is in my prayers every day. You don't know me but I have been following your blog & sending prayers from Australia.
Hi, Traci. :o) I don't get to do emails or computer work very often, but I've been trying to keep up with your posts and little Joshua. I know the Lord is allowing you to go through deep waters, and I also KNOW that He will go every step of the way with you, strengthen you, and give you comfort. I pray that soon this phase will be over so you can get back to some sort of normal - and that through it all, God's Name will be glorified and magnified in wonderful ways you couldn't imagine. Also, I pray that He will wrap His arms around you in many ways, and show His great love to you and your family. :o]
Lovingly,
Bev
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