Sunday, March 08, 2009

Redeeming the Night

It is the eighth day of sickness in our home.

A perpetual cough can be heard, from all corners of the house. The air smells of onion poultices and tinctures; Little Man whines and moans in a most unusual way, trying to let us know and understand his misery. Lady Eliana refuses twirly dresses in the mornings, (also quite unusual!) choosing instead to remain in the comfort and warmth of her flannel nightgown and cap, easing the chill of her fevered body. Big boys cough and sneeze, but continue to run and play as if the illness is part of their game... We're orphans, okay, Micah? Like David Copperfield. Mama is Peggoty, and this is the boarding house...

[Oh, but to read about a bright, shining spot in our week!]

Husband and I rise and fall from our bed almost hourly for the past four nights. Eliana cries in bewilderment, unable, for some reason, to open her door to get to us, then clings to Daddy's neck for comfort. Little Man wakes so often, crying, coughing; then refuses to settle in Mama's arms the way he normally does.

So I lie awake, baby at my breast, head resting back on the wall, comforter pulled high against the chill of the house at night. As my Little Man nurses and fusses, pulling away and crying in between eating, I close my eyes against the tears that threaten.

For I know that today will be another day of difficult choices.

The choice to leave the bed, rather than stay tucked in its warmth. The choice to prepare meals, though my appetite is gone. The choice to read a story to little ones rather than rest. The choice to stay home with sick children rather than worship and fellowship, hearing the Word read by my eldest. [This hurts so much...] The choice to smile and be creative, rather than pull inward and hide away. The choice to just keep going, rather than... not.

Let's begin now, shall we Lord?

I pray for my minister husband, who will teach class this morning. Give him strength and energy, Father. May his mind be clear so that he may speak Your Word to your people, and that You may shine through. May I anticipate his needs today, stepping outside of myself and my weariness to care for him, for he is tired as well.

I pray for my sick children. Heal them, Father. Clear their lungs, take away the fever. Bring back the smiles and the energy in my littlest ones. And may they grow in faith and responsibility and wisdom... I pray for their future spouses, Lord, keep them... Prayers for my children can last for hours.

I pray for our parenting. I pray for our finances. For our church. For our missionary friends, and the countries they minister to. For our president, our nation. I pray for friends, family, for you.

And before long, Little Man relaxes his neck and pulls away, content and quiet at last. I slide down under the covers, tucking him close. His hand habitually reaches for my cheek, and I smile.

The night is redeemed; it is not lost. Dark circles rest under my eyes, head is a little foggy, but heart and mind cling to truth and rest in Him.

The day begins.

27 fellow travelers shared:

Joy said...

Oh Elise! Having just walked through the dark waters of the flu with my little ones, I can very much relate to your night! Many prayers lifted heavenward for your family today, for rest and healing.

And how wonderful to hear of Corban's rebirth! Amen and amen!

Love to the Hooper clan from the Messimer crew.

Anonymous said...

Hi Elise. The fever virus has made its rounds all over. My husband coughs in the other room as I type! Your post confirms all my heart has been thumping these past days -- without God, how do we truly live? His living presence is such a GIFT :)

Anonymous said...

Dear friend,
I am praying that the sickness subsides in your sweet family--and that you will get an extra dose of rest this week--renewed and refreshed--and more spiritually, physically, and emotionally recharged to take on the demands of your family. Wish there was more I could do...
For now, I am praying.
Love, Andrea

Anonymous said...

you know that it's me, your fellow "flourishing mother"--I am using my husband's acct, evidently =)

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Emily said...

What a lovely post--overflowing with thoughts of Him in the midst of earthly trial...

Your family is in my prayers this Lord's Day, Elise--especially you!

Bekki said...

We missed you all today. I pray that you all are healthy asap. XO

Kate said...

We are sick today, too....attending Mattress Springs Church ;) I'll pray for you when I get up every hour to be with my little ones tonight.

Kristin said...

We have remained well as of late, but the sleepless nights are familiar as Benjamin has taken to waking for middle-of-night fellowship. Thanks for reminding me that I can use this time, too, not for yawning complaints, but for offering praise.

Christine said...

I read this last night and almost called you to pray with you. But I thought you might be resting, or caring for little ones, so I refrained. Know that I lifted prayers your way and that I love you!

Kate said...

Perhaps this is the sole purpose of the sleepless night(s)...this quiet, praying time. Your redeeming the days (and the nights) posts have been an inspiration.

Kate

Anonymous said...

Thanks for your comments, friend. Love to you and prayers for health.

Miriam said...

Praying that all will be well very soon! So glad that you are entering into His rest. And so thankful again that you share your daily experiences, helping to lead others (me!) down His paths of life. Beautiful, Elise. Beautiful Elise.

A said...

Oh Hon! Such a tough time for you! This winter sure seems particularly rough with sicknesses, doesn't it? I pray you'll pass through this valley quickly and retain some immunity for the next round!

I love the link to your high light! Such an amazing time and event! I'm tearing up even now! I hope you all enjoyed your celebration!! Keep training up your little warriors for Christ! :) They will take note of your faithfulness!

Cindi said...

As I sit here struggling with a cough and cold I think back to when mine were little and sick. I especially remember many nights with our daughter who was very ill until she was 3. Oh how long ago that seems now. Have courage, the sun will shine and the days be warmer soon.

Kelly Sauer said...

I am actually commenting on your "Smile" post, which doesn't allow comments... thank you... I just... I really appreciate it - I'm so afraid to give any hint of goodwill sometimes when I'm having an awful day, but my little girl just really needs me to smile at her, let her know things are okay for her, that I'm okay...

Thanks too for your comment on my blog

Martha said...

I read your post the other day. LOVED it. What a wonderful way to bring it all into perspective.

Trust health is returning.

Blessings,
~Martie

~nanashouse~ said...

My prayers are with you, even on this Tuesday evening when the illness has surely passed.

My prayer is for sweet sleep for you and your family. "Please bless this dear family with health and peace". Amen and Amen.

Beverly said...

I pray that the sickness leaves soon, my dear. We just went through about three rounds of sickness so I truly understand. Love, LOVE the wonderful Corban news. I'm praying for rest for you and your sweet family.

Sarah said...

I know this place Elise, wanting to cry in desperation for sleep. But I LOVE watching you walk through it, reclaiming the night, trusting the Lord for rest, even when sleep is in short supply. Something the Spirit whispered to me awhile back is that God promises rest for the weary, He doesn't promise sleep. This gave me such hope and confidence, that God is greater than the sum of my hours of sleep, He can even give me rest and peace and perspective, and all I need to function each day when I haven't had, what I consider, adequate sleep. Thank you for this series sister, so encouraging! Sorry I'm only now commenting, you know how it goes...
Love to you!

Anonymous said...

I love your writing, and your love of the Lord.
I started "blogging" this year.
I am beyond the first phase of life, our 3 children have blessed us with 7 grandkids. Eve and I enjoy the "2nd time arround" almost as much as the first.
Your music is the best too.
Keep up the good fight, God Be
with you, Rick

Rebekah said...

Elise,
Just wanted to drop a note and say I love your blog. Your writing brings me to tears....you have such a gift. Any author aspirations?
I can't remember how I found your blog....it was ages ago and I've forgotten about it for awhile, just re-found you. You stuck out to me because I have a Corban also! He's nearly 5-1/2.
I hope your family recovers soon. My family has been through a lot of sickness this winter and it's such a challenge.
Blessings....
Rebekah

~nanashouse~ said...

I remember the desperation like it was yesterday. Oh my, it was yesterday! Fatigue sneaks up on us at any age, any time. My heart is with you. May your week bring you rest from the sickness and tiredness.

Let Love Grow said...

I love this - haven't stopped by in a while; need to more often....thank you for your ministry of prayers.... love, Tammie

Wendy said...

Hope everyone feels better soon! That makes for some long days.

rautis2 said...

I have to remember to put my makeup on after I read your blog! Hoping and praying all is well in your house again!

~Babychaser~ said...

Thanks for sharing this. We just walked through a long weekend of sickness in our home... but what a reminder to just keep making those choices!

Thank you!

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