Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Finding God in a Box of Salt



We have had quite a year of "opportunity for growth" (as my friend calls it). First I broke my leg, then our daughter had a miscarriage, then, before my leg was completely healed, I developed ian infection in my foot and a month later had to have surgery to drain it, then developed sepsis and subsequent renal failure. I was very sick and had to be on daily IV antibiotics for weeks. When I was finally almost better, I fell off a friend's deck and had bruised ribs for a few weeks. As that was healing, my husband had a stroke, landing him in the hospital for a week. A week later he ended up in the hospital again.

The bottom line is we are running at about half power income-wise right now, have medical bills that exceed our mortgage, and are in a place of having to completely trust God for our provisions and our health and our future. Frankly, this is where we all are anyway, whether we realize it or not; it's just absolutely clear in our lives at this moment.

Five years ago this season, we lost my mother-in-law to a stroke. Nevertheless, she is still here with us in our hearts and memories. She used to say, "Out of salt, out of money" and my husband still says that. This past month, my son had used up the last of our salt doing various science experiments, and the almost empty container sitting on the counter calls out to me, mocking me, "Out of salf, out of money."

Today, a friend brought a care basket from some coworkers (most of whom we don't even know). As I was putting various items away in my pantry, I came upon a box of salt. And this precious box of salt spoke over and above the empty one sitting on the counter. "I see your need. Your provision comes from Me, and I will take care of you."

While I was pondering this, my son skipped into the kitchen, noticed the salt on the stove and said, "Mommy, how did they know we needed salt?" God knows.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

God does, indeed know...and I join in trusting...spent today with my mom who they believe had a small stroke. So now am also joining that club.

I have been so self absorbed, that I haven't even been aware of your trials. I am so sorry, my friend, and lift you to the King.

KaraBeagle said...

I'm sorry you've joined the club, but I'm glad you are not in it alone.


A friend of mine hugged me at our Christmas Eve service tonight and said, "We'll all be home soon." I'm hoping we can all go together, rather than one at a time!

Anonymous said...

Wow...It's hard to know what to say after all you've been through - but I'm glad the testing of your health and finances, and maybe at times your faith, has brought you closer to God instead of pushing you away. What a wonderful example you are to your son and everyone who knows you...I just can't stop shaking my head over all the stuff that's happened in your family.

I've tried to start keeping up my blog again - your sidebar doesn't seem to be tracking so I thought I'd better let you know. Although all my ramblings and complaints sound trite after reading your blog.

Keep us updated. I'd like an opportunity to pray for you when you're especially low on salt! That's what your Christian family should be here for.

Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

Heather