God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change
And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;
Though its waters roar and foam,
Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Psalm 46:1-3
Life is confusing – so many changes happening so quickly. Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Personal tragedies. Things over which we have no control.
My husband and I sat talking the other day. We were examining the twists and turns our own lives have taken.
He has his medical issues: cancer (controlled at the moment, thank God!), continues on a chemo regime that will apparently be a life-long thing, has had open heart-surgery, and a myriad of problems (such as diabetes and neurological issues than have followed his stem cell transplant and surgery). His problems lump him into the “invisible illness” category. Folks think he’s doing well – just to look at him. The truth? He struggles daily, hourly – just to keep going.
I have my health challenges. Mine are becoming more visible with needing a wheel chair, but I don't "look" sick.
My mom had a saying, “Between the two of us we don’t make one good one.” Sometimes it feels that way. I want to help him – and often can’t. He wants to help me – and is so tired after fighting his own battles that he is unable to do much for me.
We are blessed to have help around the house. My oldest son lives here, with his wife and son. His wife works – and he cares for us – and my almost 94 year-old-mom.
We adopted my daughter’s two children after she was brutally killed seven years ago. Parenting is a challenge.
My middle son is back home with his son … marital problems and no where else to go. Our already full household grows.
The family joke is that we take in strays. Even our two cats were found abandoned at our door.
Nope, this is definitely not where we thought we’d be at this stage of life.
A comment my husband made caught my attention.
“I don’t like that my life has changed so much.”
I started thinking. Isn’t life all about change? We never stay the same. There are always things that happen to us, whether we perceive them as good or bad. (I’m beginning to realize I am in no way able to discern good from bad. Maybe, it’s all good. Even when I can’t see it that way at all.)
I think my husband is looking for a constant in his life. I know I search for one in mine. So much change.
Then it dawns on me. There is a constant in my life. One that has been there all along. One that will continue to be there. There is something we can hold on to during all of the changes that take place. There is only one thing.
Jesus Christ – who is the same yesterday – today – and forever. I pray I keep that uppermost in my mind throughout every situation that we face. If you are facing challenges that bring uncertainty about the future – I pray you can rest in those words. He is the one thing that will never change.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 Amen.