Sharing Your Water

I think we all have a well of strength and peace inside of us that comes from trying our best to follow Christ. Each day we either add to it or draw from it. On some days, we have extra strength to store up in our reservoir.  On others, we have to pull more from it.

When my illness began, I started out with this great big well filled to the top! Life was so good, we had finally made it to the goal we had worked so hard for - Dan was actually practicing medicine and we had moved home to the West! So as each day my health got worse and worse, it was still okay. I could just pull from my well each day and use what I needed. I had plenty. I knew this would pass soon and everything would get back to normal and we could start planning our next party! (Oh, how I do miss throwing a good party!!)

Well, after 400+ days of pulling out more than I can replace, and especially on days when my body is worse, it feels like when I try to draw from my well it has run dry. And then it hurts and I wonder how much longer I must endure. I am sure there must be so many others who feel this way. Perhaps its not physical, but maybe it is a spouse who isn't as kind as he could be, or a child who has a hurt that you as a mom can't fix. I know some who don't receive the love they deserve to receive and others who feel alone in a crowd. I know there are many invisible trials that people carry in their hearts that only the Lord knows.

I felt this way Tuesday morning. My symptoms had increased and my well was dry. But I had just started my blog and finally decided it was okay to invite my friends to read it. Now, my hope is that by sharing my experiences, maybe it can help someone else in some way. What I wasn't expecting was for my dear friends to help me! Thank you for sharing the water in your wells with me! Each wonderful message or phone call I received just gave me so much more strength!  There is so much power in telling someone "Stay in there, you're gonna make it!"

Each of us has an incredible power to lift those around us. The amazing thing is, as we share our strength from our own well, I really do believe we are blessed with an increase of our own. (Within reason, of course. We can't be everything for everyone! And some will try to take too much from our precious reserve.)

So thank you for sharing your strength with me. Yesterday, as Dan pushed me in the wheel chair as I tried to hold a crying Lincoln in my lap and a stranger stopped me and asked "What's wrong with you?" I had the strength to smile back and say "Oh, this is only temporary. I'm okay!" And I really am! Love everyone so much!