Super What?
Last night my husband called me Superwoman...so today I looked her up.
Besides a "Superwoman" alias being the same as my name, the only similarity I could claim is from a version that says that she gets her power from Superman and it fades by the end of the day. I start off pretty well, but by 6:00 pm I'm done. Energy level zero.
I understand why my husband called me that. Lately he has been experiencing an affliction that he's not used to and I've been trying to pick up some slack around the ol' homestead. In his appreciation, he awarded me that title. I'm grateful for the recognition, but humbled too. Humbled because of the absolute fact that I am so far from being super. Not one time have I run and/or explosively entered a room...well, some my beg to differ. They may also claim that I have actually had "heat vision", but in reality my days are full of challenge. Challenge to move, walk, lift, carry. Challenge to not break down and wallow in self pity for the pain in every part of my body, especially my heart. Writing this is a challenge because I don't like to be vulnerable. Yes, I'm challenged, every moment of every day and in varied ways; just like you. We all face different challenges, and we deal with them in unique ways.
Facing the challenge to get out of bed takes a different mindset for everyone. Some do it because they are the sole provider for others. Some because they're happy to have another chance at life. Maybe you are thankful that you have the ability to get out of bed...that's me! I'm blessed with that physical ability that I don't want to lose. Plus, my animals will evidently starve to death if I don't feed them at set times judging from the barks, baaah's, cackles, moos, whinny's and brays. At the moment I cannot think of one thing I do that doesn't cause me some amount of pain, even sleep. But, that's okay because I CAN sleep. I do that pretty well actually. And the pain in my heart is offset by the joy that is there too. I will not allow myself to sit in the places that cause my heart to hurt. Instead, I turn my thoughts to the fullness of the life I have and the things I'm grateful for. I CAN do things. I CAN walk-sometimes with help. I CAN talk to my kids and grandkids. I CAN feed my animals and my family. I CAN worship MY GOD. I CAN do so many things.
Lately it seems that more and more people are facing life changing decisions, ailments, losses...maybe it's my age and the circle of life...I don't know. But as I hammer out the chinks in my own armor, I realize that every day the kryptonite for everyone is different; even my own varies day to day. As quickly as one challenge is deflected something else takes its place. Thank goodness the real strength I draw from stays the same 24/7. It's never closed for restocking, never needs an upgrade and is never out of my reach. "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is not searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40: 28-31.
This scripture, from my KJ 1611 version, can be interpreted differently for everyone. I can express what I am sure it to mean, but today, let's draw what we need from it. Let's pull the understanding that we can be weak in front of God and He will step up for us; all we have to do is call out to Him. He's waiting. He suffers with us; feeling our pain, sharing our tears. We don't have to wait for Heaven to experience His strength; let's feel it today! Right now! I need it, don't you? I'm praying for you to pour out your worries, concerns, fears, anger, questions, anything that is hindering your joy-Let it out. Scream it out if you have to. You are loved. You are cherished. Don't miss out on the peace that is yours. Grab hold of your kryptonite and cast it upon HIM! Hurl it at Him and watch what He does with it. May you feel like Superwoman (or Superman)! Free and powerful!
Most Gracious and Loving, Heavenly Father, thank you for knowing everything about us. Thank you for your willingness to take on every single challenge, daunting task, daily struggle. Please open up the hearts and minds of everyone who finds it difficult to share these things with you, including myself. Please continue to be patient with us as we learn to allow you to direct our paths. Thank you for the gift of Jesus and the sacrifice of his life for ours. None of my tears have been of blood. Never have my struggles been as heavy, nor my challenges as great. Until the day I get my wings as an eagle, please continue to lead and carry me in ways that honor and glorify you. In the most awesome name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
