Count it all joy..
Today was tough. I knew God was in control. I felt such a covering over my family. And yet, it was still tough.
Right when G’s surgery was starting we were all being evacuated from the waiting room due to a possible tornado in the area. Really??? Steal, kill and destroy is what ran through my ‘battle ready’ mind. And my God was faithful. Baby did great!
We are on the ‘clean’ floor at St Francis where some of these babies are fighting for their lives and cannot be exposed to the general population. I just heard a code blue announced and as I hold my sleeping and healing baby in my arms I can’t help but feel some of the anxiousness in the neighboring room. James 1:2-5 kept coming to mind.. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
How can anyone find ‘joy’ in any of this??!!
My half past midnight interpretation of this is this.. It’s not about having to be in a constant state of happiness. It’s about knowing the One who is able, will get us through. The one who heals is coursing through my baby’s feverish body.. The one who never changes, WILL do what He has promised. And in that, I not only find peace but an abundance of joy. God’s got this. He has every one of these precious babies on this floor.
As I try to close my eyes before the next set of meds and vital checks I remain thankful. For this journey. For my husband who has kept us anchored. For my 2 older kiddos who have shown such love and kindness. For amazing family and friends who have sat in the waiting room, fed my family, took care of my family and most of all lifted us up in prayer. JOY- full of joy.
Grace for the journey-  Jerusha