Honor the Endurance

In the morning light we walked the grounds of the charming rural inn before traveling the next leg of our trip.

An expanse of spring green pasture spread out in front of the lodge, circled round by a narrow farm road bordered by fields of wild flowers dotted among the brambles and dense woodlands. 

We walked the rutted road to get a closer view of lambs in the pasture, of hens freely ranging the grassy places, and of the fresh faced Daisies spreading in the sunlit edges of the forest. 

I whispered prayers as we rambled the road. 

We would, that day, continue our long distance travel, deeper into the rural areas of this region to visit loved ones. Loved ones, soul sore burdened by illness, disability, the vigor of health stilled by incomprehensible injury. 

We two people, two threads binding together to gain strength from each other and from our faith, in order to move past our own sorrow to meet the greater needs of those we love.

Claiming sabbath quiet as we walked, I gathered refreshment for the soul. 

In the company of lambs I whispered prayers under the sweeping clouds and across the clustered heads of Daisy growth, inviting holy Lord to bless the visit that lay ahead, to guide our words, to fulfill our hope to do only good and offer encouragement through our presence. 

That He would guard us against making careless dismissive statements, insensitive platitudes, or sweeping comments that the heartbroken can gain no solace from.

I whispered prayers that we would honor the struggle, come along side the challenge, and that we would be able to extend caring concern. 

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, 
but only such as is good for building up, 

as fits the occasion, 
that it may give grace to those who hear."

Ephesians 4:29 ESV

Epilogue:

God covered the visit with our dear ones, with much Grace, a depth of loving effort on everyone’s part, and He provided strength through compassion that we hoped for. My heart swelled with unending admiration for the endurance and effort of our loved one and the fortitude of the devoted family who are providing constant care.

 ~

Sources for understanding chronic illness:

What Not to Say to Someone with Chronic Illness

The Challenges of Living with Invisible Illness

Open Letter from a Person with Chronic Pain