We're Kind of Tired

A few weeks ago I was texting with a family in our network. They have been through months and months of challenge with one of their children. This child now lives out of state to get the treatment needed for his disability. I am certain you can imagine the potential challenges with this arrangement. They are legion.

While I asked about this child, the Mom shared that their older child had recently been released from the hospital, having been treated for a medical need. Through that testing an aneurysm was discovered on the brain stem. Proper treatment is now being sought for this critical discovery.

But it was the last line of the text that got my attention, “We are kind of tired.” 

I immediately replied that only a family affected by disability could go through what this family is experiencing and say “We’re kind of tired!”

This exchange took place as Jerry and I were coming out the acute phase of his accident recovery and rehab. I too was “kind of tired.”

Another friend and I scheduled time to video chat. We try to do this on a regular basis. We usually end our visits with prayer. On this particular day she prayed, “God, it is so good to see Joan today. I don’t know if she realizes how worn out she looked the last time we talked, but today she looks so much better.” I smiled and didn’t take offense. I knew there was truth in those words!

We may not always talk about it, but if you know a family affected by disability, it is likely they are kind of tired and worn. Would you stop now and take a minute to pray for them? If you don’t know a family to pray for lift the up the one that starts this post.

One of the best ways you can encourage a family is with your prayers. Wondering how to pray? Check our Prayer Page. Whether it be a mom with a child with autism in the grocery store, or the man with mental illness who shuffles by you on the sidewalk, or the person who uses a wheelchair and sits across the aisle at church; they may not express they need your prayer, but they will benefit from it.

Other ways you can encourage a family:

·       Keep a few gift cards on hand for a cup of coffee, an ice cream treat, or maybe even a meal delivery service. Bless someone’s day by giving them one.

·       Take their empty grocery cart back if you see them in the parking lot. It's often these seemingly minor things that mean a great deal to the tired family member.

·       Offer a sincere compliment or word of encouragement to them. It may be the only kind words they hear that day.

Thank you and blessings to our many compatriots who forge ahead even when weary, worn and tired.

And thank you to you who don’t live a life like ours, but pray and encourage us in ways you think are just a little thing. God uses you to boost our energy and enthusiasm to continue the life He’s gifted to us.