Sweet Rest

A sudden unseen wind came along and quieted my life.  I spent days in utter exhaustion,  mostly bedridden.  There was a calmness in my soul that was grateful for the rest. I didn't realize I was run down. 

After a couple of days, I tried to get up. I turned on the kitchen radio to hear some old gospel music. I cleaned and smiled. But I was weak.  I didn't get far. After a few minutes, I went back to bed.

Each day, that first week, I kept trying to get up. One early morning, while the world was still asleep, I triumphed in tidying my entire parlour and kitchen. I listened to the birds while I worked. Even though I was shaky and weary, I was thrilled with the joy of housekeeping. 

But it was too much for me.  Mr. White ordered me on total bed rest for a week. I was not to get up or do anything. I was to "hire" help.

I "hired" a 15 year old Butler. (My youngest son)   Every precious morning, I "ordered" my breakfast. He made me oatmeal or toast and brought me tea. He checked on me throughout the day and brought sweet summer beverages.  He made sure I had old movies to watch.  He let me "order" my lunches and dinners. I was grateful for his service.

In his own way, he did some of my neglected housework.   I was content, despite the chaos of disorder around me.  I yielded to the forced rest, and it was doing its work.

In one of the old movies I watched, the heroine had been in an accident. She was in a wheelchair and unable to walk for 6 months. He doctor advised her to stay home and rest.  His advice calmed me.  I didn't feel as "useless" as I had been.

Children came and visited me in my "sick room." They talked and made me laugh. I was cheered.  I learned to enjoy the quiet life of ministering through my words, rather than my work.

And then one morning I became stronger. I had energy. I was able to do an errand. I brought my cane for extra support and always had someone with me. My chauffeur often did the driving.

Eventually, I went to Church again, with the cane by my side. I was delighted.  A few more days went by and I started reading more of my Bible. I had even more energy.  But I knew I wasn't yet ready to take on the joy of housekeeping.

Until it happened. . . One sweet afternoon, a precious comfort came to me. I was listening to old gospel hymns on my kitchen radio and cleaning for the first time in several days.  The comfort was a dear passage in the bible. It was about Peter's Mother - in - Law. (Matt 8:14 -15)   She was down sick with a fever. The Lord healed her. What did she do? She got up and ministered to them!  These two precious little verses were brought to my mind (out of nowhere) as I worked, like a message from Heaven. I was okay and I was blessed!

And so,  my healing has come and I am able to tend to my home and family again. I am well, but not the same.  I will keep the "Butler" and continue to "order" some of my meals, because I need that extra help. But I will be able to clean, here and there, and delight in the ministry of home.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Strength for the Weary - When Mama is an Invalid.

Very Sweet to Have - The Comfort of a Dressing Room.

Always Remember this - Money Can't Fix Everything.



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