”After the Storm” – Photo by Ginny McKinney©️2015
I am walking a fine line between staying informed and staying sane. I think a lot of us are. There is SO much chaos in the world today, it’s so easy to get overwhelmed. I mean…there’s a breaking point for everyone. Case in point. We went to town yesterday to meet family for breakfast, then run a few errands. It was raining cats and dogs. There was a lot of getting in and out of the truck with one small umbrella between us. We were testy with each other…I couldn’t drive to suit him, and he was standing on my last nerve. It was the only time we have ever raised our voices to each other. I know it was mutual frustration, but you know those days where each little thing stacks one upon another till the dam breaks? Well, that was our Friday.
It’s hard to walk away from each other to cool off when you’re running errands. So, I suggested he go look for something on the other side of the store. I spent a few moments alone, and when we joined up to pick out a new coffee to try, he wrapped his arms around me and kissed me in front of God and everybody. We were mending fences in Walmart.
It’s what you do in a healthy marriage. Gone are the days of using the silent treatment to get back at one another. No more hissy fits or stamping of feet or long, drawn-out arguments. With silver hair comes frankness, courage, compassion, leniency…forgiveness. Early and often. There’s enough chaos in the world. We sure don’t want it in our home, too.
The other day, I was chatting with Hubby #2 when he asked me if I remembered our friend Larry. He was the husband of a fellow medical student who was diagnosed with ALL..Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. When told there was nothing that could be done, Larry smiled and said, “Good. I get to see Jesus.” Neither one of us got it at the time. But we do now. The promise of Heaven and walking with Jesus has turned us away from the focus of fear.
I can’t help but wonder what life would be like going through trying times like these alone. I know there are so many of you who face all this without your person. I hope you are gentle with yourself and practice self-care. Being at this stage of life is sobering, and I pray for the bereaved among us.
🙏🏼
“But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness,”
2 Timothy 2:16 ESV
Gratitude Journal
Today I am grateful that I’m in my 70’s and not my 20’s or 30’s. God brings us through the hard knocks of life because he knows a diamond is created when it’s put under heat and pressure. He knows we are more precious than all the diamonds in the world. YOU are more precious than any diamond. Believe that.