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Apr 11 2008
An Attitude Adjustment
It’s been 7 wks. since Steve had the stroke. We’ve been feeling a little down since moving to Woodside last week and it’s hindering his progress.
I’ve found myself comparing this facility to Bellin, and this has resulted in a critical and complaining attitude. Along with my weariness, Steve’s slow progress, and the depressing atmosphere of a nursing home, I have this last week felt like I was falling apart.
I know it was foolish of me to push myself so hard to be with Steve day and night. He needs me there, but he also needs me healthy. I’ve been advised by many friends, family and healthcare professionals to take care of myself first, or I won’t be well enough to take care of Steve when it’s time for him to come home. This last week I didn’t heed that advice.
This ordeal has taken its toll on my whole family. My daughters have been there so much of the time also, sometimes neglecting their own responsibilities to do so. They even noticed my bad attitude, and it wasn’t helping matters any. I realized it wasn’t fair of me to compare a skilled nursing facility to a hospital. And instead of complaining about the situation, I need to be part of the solution.
Last night I was convicted in my heart about that, and I asked God to forgive me. When I awoke this morning I thought of the scripture verse that says, “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” I don’t have strength in myself to travel long hours on this bumpy uphill road, but God does. When I am weak, He makes me strong. His word says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And also, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.”
This last week I’ve been relying on my own strength to deal with certain situations. I was looking only at the circumstances around me, and instead of seeing opportunities, I saw obstacles. Both of us see how much the people here need an uplifting word and a little time from someone. Steve tries to cheer them up the best he can. The other day as I was wheeling him out of the dining room, we were slowed by a woman who was inching her way along in her wheelchair. As we went around her to pass by, Steve said, “Ma’am, I’m pulling you over for speeding.” She laughed and said, “I hope you won’t give me a ticket.” Steve responded by saying, “I’ll give you a warning this time.” We all laughed, and I thought of how easy it is to brighten someone’s day if we keep our attitude right.
Some of you are in hard places right now, too. I don’t know where you are in your relationship with God, but He’s waiting for you to ask for His help. Give up control and let God have control. He will give you the strength you need to go through your struggles. I couldn’t do this without God’s help. His peace, strength and hope are like wind under my wings lifting me up. But I must make the decision to let Him help me.
Instead of complaining, I’m going to praise God for His goodness and faithfulness. Instead of being afraid, I’m going to trust Him to work all things out for my good. Instead of feeling depressed, I’m going to rejoice in the Lord. Even though the circumstances may not change, my attitude will because God is bigger than my circumstances. I’m giving up control and giving it to Him. With God all things are possible to him who believes.
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.” Habakkuk 3:17-19
God will make a way when there is no way in sight if we put our trust in Him. Let Him help you.
My love, Kathy