Perspective

The definition of purpose: the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. What could possibly be the reason for going through something as big as this? Thinking about that makes me think about the idea that the same God who created all of the wonder in the world, the mountains, oceans, or the sunrise, also created you and I. He has a plan for each one of us, no matter how small this big ole’ world makes us feel. It may be hard to imagine, but His plan is always bigger and better than anything we may come up with. At times, it is difficult to remember that in all things there is a purpose. Especially in the difficult times.

  For I know the plans I have for you, Declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 
                                                       -Jeremiah 29.11

As Jason has come back to us, his perspective has blown me away. I have been so excited and proud of his demeanor. I wasn’t sure what to expect. How could someone wake up so happy after going through something so terrible. He has literally been fighting this sickness now for over a month. He has not had a meal in over a month. His body was paralyzed, sedated, and heavily drugged for 22 days. He has fought Pneumonia, Covid, a staph infection on his skin, in his blood, and respiratory system, and ARDS. He has had to go through Cat scans, daily xrays, EKGs, injections, infusions, art line, pic line, feeding tube, and more. As he has awaken, he has had problems with insomnia, indigestion (even though he hasn’t eaten anything), heartburn, nausea, lack of dexterity, muscle fatigue, weakness, immobility, loss of taste and smell, dependence on oxygen, and paranoia and hallucinations.

Jason’s positive perspective on this has been a prayer answered. Through all of this I haven’t heard one utterance of complaint. Not one negative statement has come out of his mouth. All I have heard is the song of a grateful heart. He knows how close he was to death, he fought against it the whole time as he made his way out of the darkness, to get back to his family, and he is so joyous that he has a second chance at life. He has a positive attitude about his recovery. He is willing to put in the work necessary to win this incredible battle. He is motivated and eager to get started. He has told me that there must be a reason for all of this, and that there must be a big plan for him in this world, a reason he made it through this. Oh, I can’t wait to see what it is! God must have something special in store for him. He also knows that he has so much support from friends and family, and it excites him to see how everyone has come together for him. He says he didn’t know he had so many friends, and is amazed and flattered by all of the love and support he is receiving, and that will also strengthen him for this long road.

Each day we are tackling small goals on this road to recovery.

  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.                       
                                                     -Isaiah 40.30-31