Ever wake up with a plan filled day so precise that there is absolutely no margin for error in order to fulfill all those plans...
...or perhaps your planned day consists of having no plans at all and you'd like to keep it that way at all costs?
Well, I woke early yesterday morning with some plans...nothing that would crunch my day but I did begin to in my mind plan out how I could cut out some "me" time...honestly, I was wondering how I could squeeze in a cozy nap in my very inviting unmade bed! I was seriously thinking for several minutes over my fresh brewed morning coffee how I could execute that...then...my phone rings...at 6:30 in the morning!
The phone ringing really early in the morning knowing that it isn't from my husband or children usually isn't someone calling for a casual conversation. So of course when I answered it I had concern. I heard on the other end of the phone the voice of a friend in much pain and in much desperation of help. Instantly those thoughts of napping and all other plans were of no concern. My friend needed me.
My friend was experiencing excruciating pelvic and side/back pain that had her doubled over and took her breath away. She had an appointment with her doctor in which I took her to. Her doctor examined her and ordered tests to be done. I felt so helpless as I watched her struggle in her pain to get from point A to point B to try to resolve her pain and figure out the cause. As we sat waiting for laboratory tests to be performed she hunched over as she approached me by the doorway and exclaims that she cannot take the pain any longer! Looking as she was about to pass out...I again, feeling helpless as ever look around and find a wheelchair just feet away. Grabbing that I get her into it and then I look up and there in bright red lit lettering is the most beautiful word "EMERGENCY" The doorway was open. The hallway was lit brilliantly and arrows leading the way! We arrive and not a single soul was waiting and we got right in. Our steps were definitely directed!
My friend still in so much pain was beginning to shake uncontrollable and am I was ever feeling so helpless! The doctor accesses her and gave orders to nurses. The nurses scurry around here and there around my friend, in and out of the room. One nurse reaches above me and began writing on the dry erase board writing info on it with my friends name along with other important information needed and then she asks my name. She then writes a title under it. I turn around and look at it and see what title she had given me..."MOM""Wait! What? I'm only 3 years older than my friend!! Seriously!?! I know that I didn't take time to do myself up this morning but really?! Do I look old enough to be her MOM?" All this is exactly what I actually asked the nurse.
Did you catch how fast I made it all about ME?
The nurse replied to my list of questions with something that I am most thankful for. She graciously told me that she didn't even look at my outward appearance. She saw someone who was treating another person with such care and kindness and love like a mother would a child. Ummm, Yes, maam, you may place the title of "MOM" under my name for my friend! How true is that of us to quickly turn to comparison when it comes to our self-image? That's exactly what I did in a moment where it absolutely did not matter! I absolutely did not even think of being a friend could be the same as MOM qualities...I totally and immediately went to the whole IMAGE thing! But what a beautiful and valuable lesson I learned in it...one that I will gladly embrace.
That got me to think what are the characteristics of a MOM? Well, MOM's love, they care, they're there when you need them. We can be this to our friends as well. Mom's can also multi-task so being MOM and friend is so doable!
As I got over myself, I noticed that my friend began shaking uncontrollable more than she had before. Nurses now nowhere to be found. Me, feeling helpless and heart-hurting for my friend, scooted my chair to her bedside, held her hand and began praying the Name of Jesus. I didn't know what else to pray so I just said Jesus. Each time I whispered Jesus I witnessed something truly remarkable and amazing. My friend's fiercely shaking body slowly stopped with each whisper of His Name. Then finally it was completely still and my friend was peacefully asleep.
Then another nurse rushes into the room with medications to dispense and she's telling my friend to not worry that relief is on its way. I speak telling the nurse that my friend has already found it. IGNORED. The nurse again speaks to my friend...who by the way is completely knocked out by the grace and peace of Jesus Christ...to not worry, that she will give her some good stuff to help her feel relaxed. I again tell the nurse that I do believe that my friend has already received divine relaxation! IGNORED again. And just like that she's gone not to be seen again.
My friend was taken for various tests to find out what was the cause of this pain. All the while she was peacefully asleep. Hours later doctor returned. My friend woke up and had not realized that she had undergone any tests or had been asleep for that length of time. The doctor shared the findings and how to manage what had caused this pain. Praise Jesus it's not life threatening and can be managed through careful eating habits.
Later, my friend mentioned to me that she doesn't remember much but she did remember me praying "JESUS" and each time that she heard the Name of Jesus her body began experiencing relaxation. Even though her eyes were closed there was a light that grew brighter with each mention of His Name like that of sunshine but not like where you would have to squint your eyes. It was quite an awesome feeling!
WOW! Just WOW! How truly amazing is our God? I always knew and know that there is Power in the Name of Jesus but to be witness to His Miracles is always a privilege and honor and testimony!
Jeremiah 10:6 TLB, "O Lord, there is no other god like You. For You are great, and Your name is full of power."
Our help comes from Him. He is our rest, our refuge and our rescue.
Matthew 11:28 TLB "Come to me and I will give you rest..."
Deuteronomy 33:26-27a TLB "There is none like the God of Jerusalem--He descends from the heavens in majestic splendor to help you. The eternal God is your refuge..."
Psalm 12:5 TLB "The Lord replies, 'I will arise and defend the oppressed, the poor, the needy. I will rescue them as they have longed for me to do."
...things that are in my every day...
...things that are in my every day that I pass up because they are in my every day that I don't see them...
...things that are in my every day that I pass up because they are in my every day that I don't see them so I may miss a God moment and an opportunity for God to reveal Himself in the ordinary of my every day...
...and just like most everything else when we get in a habit or routine of doing things we get accustomed to the surroundings around us that we don't even notice what is around us. As I was making my coffee I was pondering the thoughts that were swirling in my head and I noticed a small canvas that has been hanging on my wall for years but rarely did I give it a second glance. This night I did.
The Living Bible translation uses the word loyal where the other translations uses the word love. Love is a fantastic word which we can all identify with but I really like the word loyal so I looked up the meaning of LOYAL and it means unswerving in allegiance: having or showing complete and constant support for someone or something; faithful--full of faith; constant, devoted, dedicated, steadfast, true. God is ALL this to us ALL the time plus much, much more. He gifts this to us in others and equips us to be gifts to others.
1 Samuel 26 TLB tells us, "The Lord gives His own reward for doing good and for being loyal..." I believe one of those rewards is the gift of Friendship! When we walk with the Lord we have the Ultimate Friendship...that being with Him! What a glorious gift!
Jesus loves you, my friend. He desires to be a part of your every day, of my every day. May I encourage you to take time to breathe Him in and be watchful for God moments in the ordinary.
Take care & be blessed,
Christy Krezman
