Goodness of Others...

In the midst of my daughter's health issues, I have been in awe of how much beauty I have seen in others. The unraveling going on in Marisa's life would be a lot for anyone to take in. She has done it with such grace and strength, though she is so weak. She has continued in her faith in Jesus and His plan for her life, though it has been such a painful journey. 

A year ago she was preparing to turn 20 and life was all she hoped it to be. She was with the man of her future, working two jobs she enjoyed and making good money, as well as full time schooling and on target to apply for the nursing program. Her independent personality had her moving along- making goals and truly full of joy and excitement for life.

Today she is recovering from one of her worst seizure-type episodes in quite some time. She is grieving that boy who is now her past, trying to work one job, and taking one class because though still very driven, she is limited in what she is able to do. She still has joy and her faith is holding on to Jesus, but she has a lot of sadness too. It takes a toll on a momma's heart.

So what do we do? We look for the goodness of the Lord. We seek the beauty amidst the pain and there is so much goodness that we have seen and are truly thankful for. This morning I sit and give thanks for the good friends God has given her. Marisa had been working when it happened and as I came upon the scene, she was in the back room with two friends (who also are going for nursing) and they were helping her. Her manager was also there, very caring and kind. It brings tears to my eyes just seeing them love her like that.

She is growing up in a generation of self-seeking people. So many are living for the moment and "living it up" and having a good time. She would like to be like that too sometimes. However, that isn't why we are here. We aren't here to be selfish. We are here to serve and love. We are here to sacrifice for others. For this is when we see meaning to life. This is where depth of character develops. I witnessed that depth last night and though my adrenaline was pumping, my heart was full of joy in what my eyes witnessed.

May we choose the less traveled path. May we give of ourselves for those in need. It is such a beautiful thing. Thank you to every one of you that has done that for our family through this time. It has not gone unnoticed. 

This was after an episode this summer during a girls night they attempted to have. They chose to bring the girls night to her and hung out instead.