Sometimes life is the lesson.

Sometimes life is the lesson.

I wrote this tip from our hospital room at Mayo in 2019… I am struck by the thought that sometimes… life is the lesson. Through the years, we have had a chance to talk with so many families struggling with health issues. Trying to school through seasons or years of illness can be such an effort. Yet, in times like these… life is the lesson.

Are you struggling with trying circumstances?

Many families like ours are struggling with trying circumstances. Our son Greyson has been in and out of the hospital since last September. We often are headed on the 4 hour drive to Rochester at a moment’s notice. We don’t return home for days and weeks at a time. Our longest hospital stay was 30 days in a row. We know many of you have weathered trying circumstances too. You give us hope that we are not alone.

It is easy to despair that very little school is getting done.

At times like this, it is easy to despair that very little school is getting done. Yet, during this time of illness… life is the lesson. Our son Greyson has had to practice patience, self-control, and selflessness. Unquestionably, he has discovered that he can walk through hard things with Jesus at his side. Grey has learned his joy comes from within and that it’s not based on his circumstances. He’s learned the power of prayer and the importance of having a sense of humor. Grey has learned to deal with frustration, pain, hunger, and fatigue by resting in Jesus. These lessons will help him all through his life.

Our boys left at home have learned life lessons too.

Our boys left at home have learned life lessons as well. They have learned the importance of flexibility, cooperation, and diligence even when no one is watching. They have had to set aside their own interests and work together to get things done. Our older boys have practiced parenting, cleaning, cooking, laundry, and teaching skills. They have had to balance work, college classes, and running a household. Our youngest son has had to adapt to a variety of teachers, while the HOD guides keep the daily structure for him. And most importantly, the boys have all learned to pray more than ever before. These lessons will stay with our boys all through their lives.

I have learned life lessons too!

As a parent, I have learned life lessons too. I have learned that I am not in control, but God is! I have learned to face each day as it comes and that God is sufficient for that day. Though I still struggle with worry and overthinking things, over and over I lay those worries at the Lord’s feet.

Out of times of hardship much teaching naturally occurs.

If you are facing health struggles, remember that out of hardship much teaching naturally occurs. Your children will watch and learn as you go through struggles. You don’t have to do it all perfectly as you struggle. Just point your children to the Lord. He is enough for whatever comes!

Blessings,
Carrie