Illness has invaded our home. In the wake of Mommy being laid up… chaos ensues. Mini bodies are clothed and fed. I am praising my Lord for a dishwasher! But toys are scattered. Crumbs get smaller with each passage of pitter-patter through the house.
For the rest of the week everything will be washed with hot water and tea tree oil to kill some germs!
But what about the spirit that aches? -the Mommy-heart that hurts over canceled activities and a less-than-compassionate attitude that can take over when a body just feels… iiiuhhh.
While yet taking a break from typing this, as most posts take several “sit sessions” to complete, I rested, made yet another meal, and kept repeating… “what did you say?” over. and. over. and. over. and not always in a pleasant manner. {my ears a horribly stopped up}
While medicine and sleep can {usually} take care of the body, who or what can takes care of my soul?
Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing…girded me with gladness…to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever. Psalms 30:10-12
The Lord takes care of my soul. His mercies are new every. single. day. And they fail not. I ask for His joy… He makes my mourning to dance and lifts me with gladness.
When I allow a merry heart to take over {it does good like a medicine, you know}, or… as sometimes happens… I look for a merry heart, I begin to have my spirits raised and while my body still aches, my soul is lighter, happier… my face can have a smile amid cracked lips and a sinus pressure headache.
A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Some days all I need to find a merry heart is to STOP. and look at and listen to my children. With 4 around, someone is bound to be bringing amusement. I take an active role in playing with them, asking what they are playing… and that has yet to not lift my spirits.
Other days I think through our church members, browse my facebook friends for those who do not post very frequently…and look. actively seek out. someone who needs my prayer, or maybe a note. When I get outside of myself, I find a solace for my soul that is not there when I am focusing on me… even on my blessings.
So, while my body is still struggling {contemplating a doctor visit :(}, my soul has become lighter, healthier, more peaceful… because Jesus is said to be the Great Physician… and sometimes my soul needs more healing than my ill body.