Joy Comes in the Morning

Our table set for a special meal (with mashed potatoes). 

 

The cold weather brings a season of many illnesses. There is much sickness going around.  In the midst of such troubles, I am finding the periods of rest to be helpful.  This time of year reminds me of how very difficult life can be, yet how very blessed we are as we lean on the Lord for help.  As we endure hardships, moments of comfort and warmth are greatly appreciated. 

On a recent medical trip, the weather report was alarming.  We were scheduled to leave early in the morning.  There was snow and ice and freezing rain. We were cautioned on how to travel safely in such dangerous conditions.  I have a good set of winter tires on our car. I knew I would follow the guidelines, driving slowly and keeping a good distance between vehicles.  I expected it to take extra time to reach our destination in a nearby state. We were heading to a hospital for treatment for our patient.  It took a great deal of concentration and care to drive on this trip. It also took prayer. We had a few stops along the way and then we arrived at the hospital. It was so tiring but we felt blessed and encouraged because I knew the Lord was watching over us. 

When it was time to head to the hotel, I was cold and weary. The freezing rain was intent on bringing discouragement. But by the time I walked through the door of the hotel room, I felt the warmth and comfort of the cheerful room. It felt like I was home! I was so relieved and grateful for a good rest after such a challenging day. I knew that after a good night's rest, I would feel refreshed and ready to face another precious day of doing whatever the Lord had in store for me.  

Now that we have been back home for several days, there has been sickness and a time of slowing down to heal and recover my strength.  I have been overly weary today. As I was resting, I was thinking of how much I miss my parents (who lived here with us in this large old house for nearly 10 years).  I remember that whenever I felt very ill and tired, I would get on the telephone and call to the downstairs section to talk to my father. I would say, "Dad? Are you busy?"  He knew I had been sick and was worried about me. He would ask what I needed.  (I thought of the wonderful potatoes he always made, whenever he helped Mom make dinner when I was a child.) I did not have the energy to do very much. I knew he would be happy to help. I answered him by saying, "I would really love some mashed potatoes."  He never hesitated. He would have it ready in about a half hour. I knew Mom would help him. They were always so ready to bring cheer and comfort serving our family with a great sense of love.  I was always so grateful. This bit of homemade nourishment was such a comfort to me and always made me feel better. 

The love of family and home are what holds us together.  Over all of this is prayer from faithful, trusting hearts. The help we give to one another is so important. It brings encouragement and keeps us cheerful. The times we have of peace and rest are so very precious.  There will always be much work to be done. We are needed to take care of the dear family which requires stability and dedication.  But if we do it at our own pace, with our own capabilities in mind - never attempting more than we can realistically handle - we will feel a sense of calmness amid the trials. We must remember that even though the days can be very hard, the Lord is with us. He will provide the rest we need. It is the rest of healing and spiritual refreshment. Then joy will come in the morning. 

Blessings

Mrs. White

From the Archives -

Daily life with 4 generations in the house - In Pursuit of Christian Duty.

Practical Help - The Secret to a Clean House.

As lovely as this - The Cultured Society of Home. 

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Mrs. White's nostalgic book for Mothers:

"Old Fashioned Motherhood: Baby and Child Care Advice from a New England Housewife." 

62 pages, paperback.