My brother-in-law JG (SG's husband) was also called recently to give a talk in church. His talk was entitled "Turning to Christ During Times of Loss or Despair". The whole talk was very well thought-out and insightful. There was one excerpt, in particular, that stood out for me:
We may think that other people live blessed and charmed lives. What is more likely true is that those people keep their pain and suffering to themselves, and choose not to be miserable. It is interesting that whenever I get to know a charmed person well enough, I inevitably find that there are many troubles the person is dealing with below the surface. I have not yet found a person with whom I would change places, trading my troubles for their troubles. Our troubles our uniquely suited to help us develop.
I know that I personally look around sometimes and wonder why no one seems to have the same challenges as I do. Everyone (well almost everyone) seem to have their act pretty well together, but I guess others would likely say that of me. As JG puts it, "our troubles are uniquely suited to help us develop" so I guess I wouldn't want things otherwise - although I must admit, the grass often does look greener on the other side.
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My wife's uncle had a stroke last year. Since then, his recovery has been up and down. My mother-in-law recently observed that this experience has made her realize that many who struggle over long periods of time can feel virtually forgotten. Even church leadership burns out; bishops cannot come or call every day; home teachers and visiting teachers realize that there is little tangible that they can provide, and their lives have problems too. But we can all provide some encouragement at some time.
Regarding my wife's aunt, this article from InTouch magazine discusses the value of caregiving and the importance is has (or should have) in our culture.
An interesting passage from the Bible courtesy of my brother: "Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us," (Romans 5:3-5).
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