What a Week

A Hard Reminder

Photo by Lucas Sankey on Unsplash

I know many people can say it, but it’s been a rough week. My rough week started last Friday while having lunch with friends, I realized that I’d broken a tooth. Thankfully, there was no pain associated with it. My dentist was out of town, but no worries. I would see him Monday. But over the weekend my wife, Maggy, began to feel bad. By the time Monday rolled around, I told her she had to see the doctor. He confirmed a positive COVID test. This will be the second time with COVID for her.

COVID is still serious, but whether it is covid fatigue or just the reality that the variants aren’t as strong as the first strains we saw, we weren’t terrified like we would have been three years ago. But it still has taken its usual toll of isolation. So I’ve stayed home from work and she has stayed in bed, asleep mostly, except during coughing spasms. Thankfully she is on the upswing, I’m back at the church office, and my tooth is repaired. But now a filling has come out of another tooth… first appointment available is Tuesday … low pain at this point.

You know, though, my rough week is pretty mild compared to what others are going through. That is what has kept coming back to my mind. Some people are having a rough year, or a couple of years. I’m just reflecting a bit to acknowledge…

• Sometimes the troubles pile on.

• Sometimes you need a friend to just listen.

• Sometimes your experience will help you to be more compassionate to others.

• Sometimes you have to look for the good that is around you. It is there.

• Sometimes it’s good to remember that there are others who are experiencing very painful situations that seem to have no end.

I think our little rough patch has made me remember friends and loved ones who are going through some tough times themselves. I wanted to write some of these thoughts to encourage anyone who’s hurting that you’re not alone.

• Even when you may feel alone, God is with you.

• Even when God seems far away, He is so near.

• Even when you wonder what God is up to, He is not confused, late, or inattentive.

Hang on, friends. I see you.

For wickedness does not come out from the dust, Nor does trouble sprout from the ground, For man is born for trouble, As sparks fly upward. “But as for me, I would seek God, And I would set my cause before God, Who does great and unsearchable things, Wonders without number. - Job 5:6-9