Thursday, August 9, 2012

Sweet Rest

An Interior with a Woman Reading at a Table

A sudden unseen wind came along and quieted my life.  I spent days in utter exhaustion,  mostly bedridden.  There was a calmness in my soul that was grateful for the rest. I didn't realize I was run down. 

After a couple of days, I tried to get up. I turned on the kitchen radio to hear some old gospel music. I cleaned and smiled. But I was weak.  I didn't get far. After a few minutes, I went back to bed.

Each day, that first week, I kept trying to get up. One early morning, while the world was still asleep, I triumphed in tidying my entire parlour and kitchen. I listened to the birds while I worked. Even though I was shaky and weary, I was thrilled with the joy of housekeeping. 

But it was too much for me.  Mr. White ordered me on total bed rest for a week. I was not to get up or do anything. I was to "hire" help.

I "hired" a 15 year old Butler. (My youngest son)   Every precious morning, I "ordered" my breakfast. He made me oatmeal or toast and brought me tea. He checked on me throughout the day and brought sweet summer beverages.  He made sure I had old movies to watch.  He let me "order" my lunches and dinners. I was grateful for his service.

In his own way, he did some of my neglected housework.   I was content, despite the chaos of disorder around me.  I yielded to the forced rest, and it was doing its work.

In one of the old movies I watched, the heroine had been in an accident. She was in a wheelchair and unable to walk for 6 months. He doctor advised her to stay home and rest.  His advice calmed me.  I didn't feel as "useless" as I had been.

Children came and visited me in my "sick room." They talked and made me laugh. I was cheered.  I learned to enjoy the quiet life of ministering through my words, rather than my work.

And then one morning I became stronger. I had energy. I was able to do an errand. I brought my cane for extra support and always had someone with me. My chauffeur often did the driving.

Eventually, I went to Church again, with the cane by my side. I was delighted.  A few more days went by and I started reading more of my Bible. I had even more energy.  But I knew I wasn't yet ready to take on the joy of housekeeping.

Until it happened. . . One sweet afternoon, a precious comfort came to me. I was listening to old gospel hymns on my kitchen radio and cleaning for the first time in several days.  The comfort was a dear passage in the bible. It was about Peter's Mother - in - Law. (Matt 8:14 -15)   She was down sick with a fever. The Lord healed her. What did she do? She got up and ministered to them!  These two precious little verses were brought to my mind (out of nowhere) as I worked, like a message from Heaven. I was okay and I was blessed!

And so,  my healing has come and I am able to tend to my home and family again. I am well, but not the same.  I will keep the "Butler" and continue to "order" some of my meals, because I need that extra help. But I will be able to clean, here and there, and delight in the ministry of home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Strength for the Weary - When Mama is an Invalid.

Very Sweet to Have - The Comfort of a Dressing Room.

Always Remember this - Money Can't Fix Everything.



23 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so glad you are feeling better. It is so hard not to be able to do all the things we want to do for our families.

I am also happy you are back. We are going through trials with our eldest right now and I have missed your wisdom and the peace that you generate in your posts. God bless you and your family.

in His peace,
Miriam

Jewels said...

I'm sorry to know that you've been unwell, but very thankful to hear that you're feeling much better/even though not the same.

I too have known the Lord's loving keeping and sustaining through similar circumstances, and also know well that truest delight in being well enough to tend to home, and lovingly care for those that we love dearest and best (that have kindly cared for us), when you've not been quite well enough to do so, as you'd like, for a time.

It's lovely to hear word from you. Do continue to rest well (in Jesus, and physically as need requires), and to write when you can.

I read something of your treasure here nearly every day. You're a blessing to me, sweet sister and friend, and I thank you for that. Please know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you. Tenderly, in Jesus' love, Jewels

suzannah said...

so glad you are back :_ feel better Mrs White
I've missed you

busymomof10 said...

I was just thinking of you this morning and wondering if you were OK because I hadn't seen an update from you lately. Glad to hear that you are feeling better from your time of forced confinement and that God is ministering to you through His Word!

Dolores said...

Mrs. White, I am so happy you are feeling better. I wish you continued healing. I missed your sweet spirit greeting me several times a week.

kim said...

Very glad to hear you're feeling better. I will pray for your continued strength. You're wonderfull posts are definitely an encouragement to me thank you.

Mrs. Laura Lane said...

I've been concerned for you. I'm glad you're better.

Arwen Fowler-Jonsson said...

You have been missed greatly. Please take your time in getting back into things and make sure you are healed. I am sure all of us that are fans will be here when you are ready. Bless you and your family for sharing with us!!!

Deanna said...

Precious blessings to you!
Your friend,
d

Mrs. K. Davis said...

Welcome back Mrs. White! Please continue to take care of yourself. I am sure your family is greatful for your recovery.

Shani said...

Dear Mrs. White,

How very blessed you were to have received the peace that was given to you to make your forced rest just that, a rest, and not a burden. I am so very happy for you that you are healing, and I think of you often and send up a little prayer when I turn on the old country gospel I love and work in the kitchen. In fact, it's going on in a minute when I get back to canning tomato sauce. I could ramble longer, but will spare you. :)

Be blessed this day, my fellow homemaker, and rest in Him.
Shani xxx

Anonymous said...

It is good to hear you are feeling better. It is easy to forget what a blessing our children are till we don't have their extra help. My children were all ill this past week and I realised what a great help they have become to me.
I enjoy you posts. They are very encouraging, especially because you are open to share about the hard things in life too.
May you feel stronger each day.
kindly,
Natalie

Tonya said...

I have followed your blog for a long time. I am so happy that you are better! I have always loved the way you write so beautifully. God bless you and congratulations on your healing! Come visit my blog if you like:)

Anonymous said...

Glad to see you back, Mrs. White, and that you are feeling better.
God bless, Kathy in Illinois

Gloria said...

Welcome back Mrs White. I am so thankful that you are feeling better. What a blessing your son has been through this trial, and your husband too. I'm sure it was not easy to put you on bed rest - good for him. Praying for you as you ease back into things.

Gloria

Elle said...

I'm glad you are feeling better! I miss your posts when you don't get to write as much.

Don't get in a rush...take your time. There will always be housework!

Linda said...

Mrs.White, I was so happy when I saw The Legacy of Home in my in-box. I am so glad you are feeling stronger. I have missed your encouraging words.
You have a gift for writing.I will look forward to your next up-date, whenever you feel up to it.
Linda

Andrea said...

Mrs White, I'm so glad you are recovering. I was getting worried. I will keep you in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am so glad that you are back and continue to get better. You are in my prayers. Your words are so encouraging to me. God Bless.

Betty said...

Mrs. White, you were missed.

I understand the pain of not having the health/energy to do your hearts desire.

I have struggled with this issues myself. The last year and, a half have been quite a struggle. God is healing me. It has come in waves and, recedes at times like the tide. I am learning to be thankful regardless.

This post has touched my heart. The very scripture you chose ministered to me too.

Blessings to you and, yours.

Vicki W. said...

I have missed you so! You are a wonderful inspiration and role model to me. I figure we are around the same age but growing up was not graceful and full of learning home things for me, so I look to you. I hope you are felling stronger and better every day and are able to blog again regularly, because I need to keep learning from you, and you cheer me up! You are in my prayers always and I look forward to every update from you!
Summer Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Enforced rest can be hard to accept, but from what you've said, it appears that's just what was needed. Continue to let your "butler" fetch & carry for you....hope you feel better soon!

Brenda

Leah said...

May the Lord bless and keep you and bring you back to full strength. You are such a gift Mrs. White. I am always comforted and I always learn something new about the Godly attitude women can have in different situations when I read your posts. Thank you. ((hugs))