Looking After Your Spiritual Welfare
By A. Williams
Recently, I have been battling depression and remorse over the illness of a family member. Refusing to accept that things would turn sour and she would not be with us much longer, I have been in constant prayer.
My vision is to see her smiling again and being able to just enjoy her company. When doubt reared it's ugly head, I would placed it in the darkness where it belong. I never gave it light. I would cancel the thought and shoo it away to a place on insignificance.
Yesterday, when we went to the hospital to visit, and approached her room in ICU, she turned and smiled at my husband and I. She could not speak because she had a "trach", but her eyes were shining with welcome and the wondrous smile I have been seeking returned.
I let her know, that the bed she was laying in was full. She didn't know that there with her always were her loved ones and the important spiritual connection was at the foot of the bed.
She still has a long way to go, but by any indication of that wonderful smile, she will have some spiritual footsteps caring her forward. And once again, I learned about the power of faith.
I have attended many funerals of relatives, friends and acquaintances of late. And as I watch individuals (and myself) participate and say good-bye to a loved one, I am stricken with the idea finally that it is also saying hello to the idea of completeness and God's grace.
So, today when things seem too complicated, frustrating, step back and breath. Breath in the life you were meant to have, exhale the turmoil, and be aware that there is a greater good happening in your life the minute you take that breath.
And lastly, smile and bid the turmoil and chaos away. That is the strength I got from my ill relative and I wanted to share with you her resolve.