This Too, Shall Pass

Over the weekend my husband and I were concerned about all of the help we’re going to need with care-giving for our disabled son in the next few weeks, because of the upcoming wedding in the family. Okay, I was actually the one doing all of the worrying (I do it so well!) but I do think my husband was feeling some of the frustration. Most of the time we’re able to work out our schedules, but when both of us need to be somewhere it takes some careful planning and lots of outside help.


After a few frantic phone calls that didn’t seem to lead anywhere, things were looking a bit bleak for both of us to be at the rehearsal dinner.  During the time we’re supposed to be gone, it’s a complicated schedule to transport our son from home to therapy and then to a special rec program and back home to meds and bed — so we almost caved in to the unpleasant idea of one of us staying home. But then one of our small group members heard we had a need, and she didn’t hesitate to volunteer her help.


I think at least part of my frustration was the stark contrast between the joy that comes with a wedding and the complications unique to our family. And though it might be a rather circuitous route, this is the one that led us to our discussion of heaven.


All of us have challenges—that’s part of life. But for those of us with the hope of heaven, we know this isn’t all there is. How does the Bible put it? This life passes like a vapor (James 4:14) or withers like a grass (1 Peter 1:24). Those are just a couple reminders that I think can be meant as both cautionary and comforting. Heaven is where we’ll spend eternity.


But am I the only one who can feel like whatever circumstances I’m in now will never end—even if I know better in my head and heart?


My husband came up with an analogy that resonated with me. Have you ever been driving the car and gotten sleepy? That delicious feeling of closing your eyes is so hard to fight, isn’t it? You roll down the window or turn up the radio, anything to keep you focused on that long, boring road ahead. You know the moment you stop and get out that fatigue will instantly disappear—as if you never felt it. What about when you have a long drive home after a late evening, so tired on that drive but the minute you get out of the car and climb into bed you’re too awake to sleep? Happens to me many times!


That comparison worked for me, because life is often like a struggle. Even the best of times—like a family wedding—can bring some unwelcome tension. But every once in a while we just need to be reminded that this isn’t all there is. The troubles we face here? They’ll pass. We know it in our head and our heart: the moment we cross over into heaven our worries will disappear, just like that road fatigue. We just have to make it through the rest of the journey without forgetting that!


So for the next two weeks, I’m determined to keep my focus on the joys of my oldest child getting married!