So the first night that we stayed here in La Casa Nueva, we noticed that it was a little chilly. But because this new place has an electric heat pump and not the gas heat that we’ve been used to for the last ten years, we figured that it hadn’t had time to “regulate” yet and would eventually get warmer, despite the fact that cold air seemed to be blowing out of the vents at all points in the day.
But then my parents came to visit. And mentioned once or twice or fifty times that they were freezing. And that “the baby” was freezing. And that since their previous house had a heat pump and they were familiar with how things should be working, Something Must Be Awry.
As it turns out, they were right.
So over the last four days, we (and by “we,” I mean “D.”) have been dealing with with a home warranty company, a service company, a realty company, and a home inspector trying to decide who’s responsible for fixing it.
Meanwhile, hey! Remember us? Over here? We’re cold!
As it turns out, the warranty company is going to make all the repairs. In fact, they’re going to replace the whole unit. We’re beyond grateful for the provision, but that’s not really even the point of this post.
Because there’s a little something called The Grand Scheme of Things:
A family in our church lost their one year old daughter last weekend after a lengthy illness. A family in the community where we used to live lost their 15 year old daughter in a car accident. The family across the street from our new house lost their husband and father a little over a week ago. My sister-in-law’s friend Lauren and her family are facing their first Christmas without their oldest son. My friend Elise and her boys are facing their first Christmas without Paul.
I’m sure you know of families who are hurting and suffering, too – it might even be your family that could use a little extra measure of grace and mercy right now.
And when I think about those families – when I think about their hurts and their struggles – it snaps our heat pump woes right into perspective. Because even though it may be cold in our house for a few days, I have a healthy child and a healthy husband who will snuggle up with me and keep me warm. Because even if we had to pay for an expensive home repair, at the end of the day – well, it’s just money. It’s not illness. It’s not death. It’s not heartache. It’s not despair.
Earlier today I was reading something that our pastor wrote, and he quoted the lyrics from a hymn written by Annie Johnston Flynt. Here are her words:
He sendeth more strength when the labors increase
To added affliction, he addeth his mercy
To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace
When we have exhausted our store of endurance
When our strength has failed and the day’s half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s own giving has only begun
His love has no limit
His grace has no measure
His power has no boundaries known unto men
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth and giveth and giveth again.
Even in the midst of our trials, we’re so blessed to serve a God who “giveth and giveth” His infinite grace and mercy.
I needed to remember that today. Just because.
I hope it helps you to remember it, too.
This post was published originally on December 8, 2006.
De-lurking to thank you for this post. After a very long day with a newborn and a two-year-old, I was failing to realize just how blessed I am. Thanks for the reminder.
Amen!
Thank you for this:-)
Thank you… I needed to read this at this very moment. A difficult day, but it is nothing in comparison to the big picture. He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again. If only I’d remember that…
Great reminder. It is all about perspective.
I was in your town today and saw your church and it rang a bell…then I remembered you had a post about it a few months back. The kids & I were there just afor a couple of hours visitting a friend. I thought about trying to find you…then realized a) that might make me a stalker and b)you probably were not under boomama in the directory. :-)
Amen, Sister. Amen and amen.
Beautiful…a wonderful reminder. Thank you so much!
JEN! YOU DROVE RIGHT BY OUR NEIGHBORHOOD! RIGHT BY IT! I’m going to email you now.
Who of us doesnt need the reminder? Thank you for that.
It does help. The other day my husband and I were sort of upset about some things. We rode our bikes past the school up the street from us and there was a memorial wreath and an 8×10 picture of a young marine propped against the cross on the front lawn. He had been killed in Iraq earlier in the week. I thought “We’re worried about this silly thing and those parents are burying a son.” It really does put things into perspective. I am so thankful there is grace for even those heart breaking situations.
Wonderful post Boomama.
This was beautiful…and yes,we are blessed because God gives and gives and He even takes away…either way,Blessed Be the name of the Lord.
Kim
I love that hymn…its so true. God’s grace is wonderful and how can we ever do without it? We know the hurt of losing a child…may they turn to the Lord for strength, comfort and His unfailing grace.
Yep, it helped to be reminded! Thanks. And hooray for a new unit at no cost to you!
Lifting up my voice in this choir of amens. Beautiful post. Thank you.
Amen – so very true. My heart goes out to those who are suffering so – sending prayers too for your friends….
Thank you for sharing this. It is beautiful and I could use it.
Thanks for helping me gain a little perspective today. I needed it.
Beautiful.
AMEN! I am so guilty of often thinking of God’s grace as something that will take over when I can’t do anything anymore…..NO! It is what takes me thru each MOMENT each and every day. And it is multiplied in time of need. Thanks for a fresh perspective, Boomama. We, too, are blessed beyond measure and I grieve for those who need the peace and grace multiplied and yet rest in the fact that it will be what they need in their time of need. I’m so sorry for those you know who face such struggles. You are a tender heart to think of them and share with us. Bless you!
Amen. Every moment of the day. Amen.
I have been counting my blessings and adjusting my own pespective this week as I watched the unfolding Kim Family tragedy. Your post and especially that hymn were beautiful. Good luck with the heat!
I am one of the hurting ones, and I am trying to be strong for my kids too. That’s why I seldom write about things I am feeling on my blog. My kids read it.My husband (and their dad) died 5 months ago.I am very blessed by friends and family, and my faith though. Thank you for this post.
BooMama~You have such a sweet heart. Thank you for reminding me of those you mentioned who need our prayers (I had been wondering about Elise.) I am lifting up a prayer for all of them right now. And for you too. You have a way of ministering here and you reminded me today of how truly blessed so many of us are.
So true…a friend in my church recently lost her husband of 40 years. I lost my unborn child last month. There is much hurt in our world and much to be thankful for, too. Linds: I said a prayer for you tonight. Your comment touched me deeply. Boomama: thanks for sharing this hymn with us.
I still think of Elise often and pray for her as I can’t imagine how her life has changed. She has such a wonderful friend in you!
Thank you for the timely reminder. I needed it today. : )
Excellent post. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
My little piddly problems never compare when placed in “the grand scheme of things”. Good post.
Thanks for re-posting this. A good reminder.
I have that song written on a paper in my Bible…such a good reminder of our Father’s heart for us…to give. May we always keep it in perspective, as you have!
Love in Him,
Holly
Thank you for the reminder. Perspective is a good thing when we (I) feel sorry for myself for trials. It could always be much, much worse.
Rhoda
Southern Hospitality
This is my first time visiting your blog and I have spent quite a bit of time looking around. Wow- you can really write! This post is a reminder about what is really important in life. When something goes wrong with someone we love nothing else matters. Thank you for the reminder.
I’ve enjoyed your blog so much I’m going to put a link on my blog.
Heather has been keeping me in the same frame of mind. We have lots of “stuff” going on right now, but no brain tumors. No cancer. No death. No chronic or terminal illness. No drug addiction or nasty legal tangles. Things ain’t that bad and GOD IS GOOD!
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done!
Very beautiful post. Glad you reposted it, as I am new here.
“When we have exhausted our store of endurance
When our strength has failed and the day’s half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s own giving has only begun”
Soooo true from me to Boo – THANKS & I love you :)
Thank you for reminding me that my “problems” really aren’t problems at all.
Thank you for all that you have done for Heather!! There aren’t even words to describe the blessing you are too them and too us.