A STRANGE CHRISTMAS

Despite the busyness, I’ve enjoyed this Christmas and have much to be thankful for.

Two years ago, we had a strange Christmas. My husband, Ben, spent 16 days in the hospital and then moved to a nursing home for eight weeks, due to a spinal staph infection.

We have a Christmas Eve tradition of going to Dunkin' Donuts after the Christmas Eve Service. Although he was in a nursing home, I hoped to keep our tradition alive. I stopped for coffee, but Dunkin' was closed. With Plan B in motion, I got donuts at a local grocery store and requested coffee advice while in line. After leaving Winn Dixie, I went to the Waffle House, and once I explained the reason I only wanted coffee, they brewed a fresh pot. I was reaching for my wallet when the server told me my coffee was free. Touched by her kindness, I wept all the way to the nursing home.

“The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up” (Matthew 4:16)

In 2023, I sat in darkness but saw a great light. It wasn’t until after a time of reflection, however, that I recognized the intensity of God’s glorious light.

Ben received good news from his doctor on Friday: after several months of recovery from a second back surgery, he received a clean bill of health. Later that same evening, he started having an unexpected increase in pain. The next day, his pain was so intense that it left him immobile. We waited, hoping the pain would go away, but on Sunday morning, it was evident he needed to be examined.

God’s light directed us to the perfect ER doctor. Within fifteen minutes after arriving at the emergency room, the ER doctor started aggressive antibiotic treatments. After a series of tests, it was found that my husband had a staph infection. Later on, we learned the infection was in four places in his spine. He spent the next two and a half months on an IV antibiotic drip.

God’s light was made clear through the nursing facility staff. Ben’s condition required round-the-clock care. The staff topped our expectations by delivering excellent care.

God’s light was incredibly shown through our neighbors. To be close to Ben’s surgeon, he had to stay in a hospital one hour from our home. Rather than driving back and forth, I stayed at a motel near the hospital. Our neighbors didn’t hesitate to help with whatever we needed. One of our needs was to care for our cat, Blue. They not only made sure he had food and water, but also spoiled him by bringing him toys and getting down on the floor to play with him. Every day, a neighbor would switch on the television to prevent my cat from feeling lonely. Knowing our cat was well taken care of eased our minds. We didn’t have to worry about anything, as God manifested the tenderness of His love through our kind and thoughtful neighbors.  

God’s light guided us to another emergency room trip. While at the nursing facility, Ben’s PICC line became clogged. Since replacing the line required a qualified professional, he was transported to the local hospital. After examining him, the ER Doctor discovered that not only was his PICC line clogged, but Ben had a blood clot in his lung. Ben’s trip to the emergency room saved his life; the clot would have gone unnoticed, and he likely would have died.

God’s light was declared through a stranger. For the first couple of months, we used a wheelchair when taking Ben to his follow-up appointments. One day, after observing Ben and me struggling to get him from the wheelchair into the car, a stranger, who happened to be a caregiver, stopped to coach Ben on how to transfer safely. Before leaving, she said, “I’m going to pray for you.” Right there in the parking lot, the stranger (whom I referred to as “my angel”) prayed a powerful, anointed prayer. God proved the radiance of His love through someone who didn’t even know us. This day will forever be etched in our memories.

God demonstrated His light by providing for our every need. Our journey was challenging, but God surpassed our expectations and supplied exceeding abundantly above all we could ask or think.

My friend, if you’re sitting in darkness, know that I see you. More than that, God sees you. Similar to the star that led the wise men, His great love will illuminate your darkness with His brilliant light.

ME AND BEN, CHRISTMAS 2023

KEEPING THE LIGHT ON

Whereas many people enjoy the holidays, some want this season to end. Lord, please show us ways we can shine Your light into someone’s darkness today.