Illness Humbles...

Illness humbles.
When I am ill and I can rest and take appropriate medications for the illness and wait for the illness to run its course. I recognized today that since I am ill, I am not in control.
I recognized today while being ill that in many significant ways, I am not the master of my own destiny. Today I had to rest. I was not able do any projects. I was unable to work a "to do list" I was even effected in my relationships with the children in my care and with the relationship with my wife. When the body is not feeling well, the spirit and the mind, and the emotions are affected. I am a physical being and illness effects me. This is a simple fact. As much as I do not want illness to affect my attitude, the way, and me I relate with others it still does affect me. Illness humbles.

I recognized a few minutes ago that my ability to be patient with my children is diminished when I am ill. I had to apologize to my second oldest daughter just a few minutes ago because I reacted wrongly to something she said. Illness humbles.
The good news is that there is forgiveness and redemption within the mess of life when we are ill and perhaps short tempered with our children, spouses, coworkers, colleagues, friends, and acquaintances. Illness humbles.

It makes me realize that I am still an imperfect being in need of grace, forgiveness, and mercy. There is a lot of work "to be done" on Paul still. I am still imperfect. The good news is that God is more gracious and forgiving. I find that when I allow myself to be humbled, I can see God's graciousness that is always present, especially in the relationships I have with my wife and the children in our care.


Illness humbles.

God is Gracious and forgiving.

Both are good for us as imperfect human beings.
How do you experience being humbled, forgiveness and graciousness?

The Most Difficult and Rewarding "Job" In The World = Parenting!

Parenting is the most difficult and rewarding "job"in the world - BAR NONE! It consists of hours and days of laundry, dishes, cooking, and many other mundane tasks not generally thought about when one considers becoming a parent. All these issues considered, I would not change becoming a parent, and a foster parent! The rewards are indescribable and at times very, very funny! One such incident happened the other day when I took our two foster children to the doctor. He showed each of them a few pictures and asked what the horse, cow, and several other animals say. The answers were as expected except for one. When he asked the youngest what a man says, the three year old responded, "What's up Dog?" I almost fell over I laughed so much. This is one precious moment that I will remember for a long time! These moments in part make all the effort and laundry and dishes, etc worthwhile! Share a precious moment or event that you experienced and let's all laugh and celebrate the gift of parenthood together!

Laughing Out Loud And Humbly Serving Children And Orphans;
Paul