IN SICKNESS & IN HEALTH

I watched her sleep soundly curled on the sofa. I hated to wake her from her deep slumber. I knew she was void of energy and needed much rest, but her husband was ready for bed and needed his sheets. As I gently nudged her leg and whispered her name, she made no motion. I searched the room myself for the sheets but to no avail, came up empty. I went back to try again. Her eyes flickered and then her gaze was a blank stare. I could see she was trying to place herself somewhere, yet couldn't. Then her senses awakened her to where she was. Without hesitation or stretching from her curled position she threw the blanket off of her tiny framed body and stood at attention. She retreated to the ironing board where her duty awaited her. Iron still hot from when she plugged it in 30 minutes ago she started feverishly straightening the sheets for her husband. With each stroke she apologized for falling asleep. Her desire was not to disappoint or to show failure. I have sensed in my time coming to know this incredible woman that perfection has followed her daily walk. Continually apologizing, she ironed over and over the sheets until there was not one wrinkle to be found. Perfectionism has served her well in her new role as care giver. Unfortunately, I know the circumstances as to why she is doing this.

She serves a higher power who gives her strength to care for her ailing husband who suffers from advanced stages of ALS.

You see, he can feel everything, he just cannot move a muscle in his body. His skin is so sensitive that he can detect wrinkles in the sheets which then irritate his delicate skin. She labors in love for her husband while no complaint falls from her lips. Yet her pain and sorrow is evident through her eyes and her own body is very tired. Her day starts before the sunrise and ends well past the setting sun. She approaches each hour with a smile and a refreshed sense that her strength is not of her own. However, at any moment she may share her struggle and her composure falls weary. I experienced the joyful soul fall at the ironing board as she creased the corners.

This wife, mother and child of God is amazing to watch. I don't wish this on anyone, but to watch her take this challenge that has been presented and to honor her promise she made at the altar in front of her Heavenly Father has been an incredible lesson for me. She shares her love for Christ through her actions and labor of love. When she said, "In sickness and in health" she is showing Christ each day to her husband.

I'm reminded how Jesus loves us daily during our struggles and tribulations. Never leaving us, never forsaking us. Being patient beyond that of the flesh, of which can only come from Him. Thank you Jan for that constant reminder. The power of His blood shed on the cross is evident when anyone walks through the door of your home for we know He is ever so present and in command of your heart. Much love to you dear friend & praise be to God for lessons taught.