It’s that time of year. Coughs, runny noses, fevers, germs! YUCK! As a preschool teacher, my system is bombarded by these microscopic invaders. So at this time every year, I always get a flu shot. For me, it has helped my system to fight the battle.
When I got my flu shot this year, I remembered back to another time of shots. Time when I took my first born to get a set of immunizations. I held her little body in my lap with her leg firmly held between my legs. The nurse administered the injections.
Seconds later, her little face turned to me, with tears welling up in her eyes, then the painful cry came out. Her eyes seemed to say, “how could you let this happen to me?”
It broke this mamma’s heart. It brought tears to my eyes too.
As a new mama, seeing her cry from pain, pain that I allowed, hurt me too.
As I comforted her that day, she would settle down and be happy. But when she would look down at her leg. She would remember the pain. She’d cry again.
I have been like my baby with her shots. I have cried over the pain. I have looked to God and asked, “how could you let this happen?”
God has been holding me through my pain.
He has comforted me.
Through texts and phone calls from friends and family letting me know they are thinking of me, praying for me.
Through the blueness of the sky that draws my attention to its beauty. I appreciate and marvel at the amazing color. Seeing God’s mighty hand in creation.
Through His Word that speaks words of comfort and encouragement.
Through songs on the radio that speak hope and lift me up.
Some days and some moments. I look back at the pain. The hurt returns. I cry again.
I am reminded of Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”
Sometimes when my focus is on the past I do not/can not perceive what God is doing. But when I focus on God, I can get a glimpse of how He is moving and working in my life.
So much better to focus on the Comforter than the pain.
Dear Holy Comforter, thank you for holding me when I am in pain. Thank you for knowing what I need and providing for my needs. You have blessed me with so much. I am grateful. Forgive me when I look back and focus on what is lost. For when I do, I can not perceive all that you are doing. Help me to keep my focus on you. In Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.