An amazing woman, who was an inspiration to anyone who knew her, passed away this Saturday. She overflowed with optimism, faith, and joy. Our pastor was talking about joy a few weeks ago and he used an example of a two-liter bottle and the way it fizzes when you open it. He explained that God doesn’t want us to be ‘flat.’ Immediately, I thought of Michal. In no way, was she ‘flat!’
She said a few things to me regarding her illness over the past year or so. She told me that she was going to fight until the very end to get to stay with her family. There was no doubt in my mind that she wouldn’t. But, if God saw her life best used in other ways, she’d still be a winner. What amazing faith! Even after hearing the news that she had cancer, she still overflowed with joy! I’ve been praying for her and her family for months, especially since finding out about her passing on Saturday. I’ve asked God to give them comfort during this difficult time. And even though she’s passed, I think it’s just as important to ask God to continue using her life as a witness to others.
As a mom, I can get a little frustrated sometimes (as I’m sure all other moms do, too). My 3 year old started pooping his pants again, my daughter hasn’t let me leave her sight without throwing a fit for over a month, and my 2nd grader acts like an 1 year old every night during homework. Our house, which was supposed to be about half way done already, still isn’t started, the family that lives above us wakes up Adrianna almost every morning (problem with living in a basement), and I have to give my dog a bath about 3 times a day because she won’t stay out of the muddy pond in the back yard. When I think about what living a life of joy should look like, all of these things are still in it, but what’s different is my attitude. My children are healthy, my kids love their Mom, we have a beautiful house to live in while our new home is being built, thanks to the gratitude of a friend, and our family is TOGETHER! What about that should make me frustrated?
Our bedtime routine is to take a bath, brush teeth and read a book (or sometimes 2 or 3…or 10). On Sunday night, while Matt had his hands in the septic tank (which he ended up fixing all alone after working on it for about 14 hours), I had the pleasure of putting the kids to bed on my own. We were well into our routine and as we were putting the books away, Gabe asked me, “Who would read to us if you weren’t here?” Both boys threw themselves on my lap and hugged me, almost as if they knew what a sadness I was feeling for Michal’s family. I don’t think I even answered his question. So, even though she’s gone, Michal will continue to remind me that I shouldn’t take something like, putting my kids to bed at night, for granted.
So, here’s a charge for you…CHOOSE TO LIVE A LIFE OF FIZZ…DON’T EVEN TAKE THE LITTLE THINGS FOR GRANTED!
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18
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