Perspective

Happy Easter holiday! This week Steve and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. As we were sitting at dinner, we reminisced about the last two decades of our lives. (Actually three decades when you go back to when we met at 12 years old!) We discussed a marriage that has known jubilant joy, deep despair, suffocating sorrow, bountiful blessings, prevailing peace, and God's grace.

The last couple of months have been a challenging time for us. (You can catch up on they happenings in the earlier blog posts.) Even though we have walked this road many times, the three hospitalizations and countless doctor appointments have left us somewhat weary but also so thankful for the love and care that has surrounded us from our family, friends and our extended family at Lacey Fire.

Almost everyone has experienced pain from illness, injury, or surgery. Part of what gets us through it is knowing that there will be an end to it. On the flip side, adjusting to chronic pain is challenging. While I know I will be relieved of this pain in heaven, my current pain on a daily basis is unrelenting, it's soul-wearying, and exhausting. As I have had time to reflect I also see that suffering is a challenge, which if met rightly, can bring great good, wisdom, glory, and even sweetness into one's life now.

In an unexpected yet empowering way, suffering reminds us to celebrate life.

It moves us to find hope in the places we least expect.

It moves us to find comfort in the places we least expect.

It moves us to find strength in the places we least expect.

It moves us to find peace in the places we least expect.

It moves us to find joy in the places we least expect.

It moves us to find faith in the only place it can be found ...

We find it in Jesus and Jesus alone.

The following poem is an outflow of my heart during the depths of pain. It is based on the story of Gethsemane found in the Bible. (Matthew 26:36-39) It is the prelude to why we celebrate Easter.

Gethsemane

"We wake with dread to face the day

Fearful of what life will cast our way

Day after day our woes appear to increase

We beg, "Just one less problem please."

Our bodies say, "Too much, this heavy burden on me."

How quickly we forget the dilemma at Gethsemane.

We consume our time asking "why" and to whine

To plead how unfair is this life of mine.

We dream of living carefree days

Seeking a higher plan is not of our ways.

When we pray, "Take this cup from me"

We have missed the meaning of Gethsemane.

We must decide to seek God's plan

Trust in His wisdom and grasp His hand.

Instead of frustration, search for divine insight

Pursue a learning that comes not from our might

To plead "Thy will be done" while on bended knee

Is to understand what happened at Gethsemane."

May you know the true source of hope and joy this Easter season.

"For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10;13

Thanks for continuing to check in on us and being part of our journey! We leave for Mayo for more evaluations in a couple of weeks and ask for your prayers. We will update here as we know more. I will also be putting all of my appointments on the calendar feature of this site, so please check there and pray as we have appointments.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you,

Lee (and Steve)

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Comments

Sandy Temple:

Beautiful poem with so much truth and meaning. I continue to be inspired by you and in awe of your faith. Lifting you all up in prayer! Much love to you!❤

Matt Conklikn:

It was wonderful to celebrate the risen Christ with you at NBCC today! Keep leaning on those around you.... I've been thoroughly background checked if you need a driver for any upcoming appointments!

Judy Green:

Happy Easter to you and Steve. I continue to pray for your healing. You have fought a long hard battle with your illness. Our battle with Lisa has just been a year. We are at a standstill right now with her recovery. She still has problems with her balance, vision and speech. We are very thankful we still have her the doctors said she would not make it but with her strength and hundreds of prayers God saw her through 2 deadly bleeds in her head. Faith got us through and it is doing the same for you. We love you and praying for you. Judy & Lisa

Kurt Kroschel:

It was so good to see you Sunday! I am using those UT cups a lot and praying for you every time! May each day see you both established in faith, hope and love!

Teresa J Brooks:

Thank you for sharing your heart and your wonderful faith. You are both an inspiration to others. Continuing to pray for comfort, relief from pain, wisdom and understanding. God bless you both. Love you! Teresa

Eunice Goodwin:

I well remember your beautiful wedding! 24 years is a lot of memories and you have both met your challenges with such love and grace. What a witness you both are to all of us!

Karren Logan:

God Bless you both. I pray for strength and comfort in your lives. Have a Blessed Easter. My love and heart are with you. In the name of Jesus.

Steve Braden:

Have a blessed Easter day. Thank you for the poem. Uncle Steve and I love you guys very much.

James Broman:

Thank you for sharing your hearts and difficult journey. Although we don't know the future... we do know Who holds the future. Continuing prayers.

Terri Gilbert:

The faith that you both have and share is inspiring to all that witness it. Zan and I send love and prayers to you both today and everyday. We are so blessed by your strength.

Ellen Bunch :

Happy Easter LeeBob and Steve. I always find strength in your post...love ya BUNCHES

Steve Braden:

Praying for you tomorrow