Shattered...

It was not a peaceful time.  It happened decades ago but I remember it vividly.  It was traumatic, frightening and difficult for my family.

Merely five years of age, I recognized danger when I saw it.  My brother, Daniel, was only two years old.  As we played in the back yard, I saw him lean over an unfamiliar object while repeating the word, "pretty."  I walked closer as he reached for that object...which was actually a copperhead snake...coiled up in a circle, head extended, tongue reaching out...perhaps ready to strike my little brother. I knew I had to move Daniel away from that snake immediately.  Even at his young age, Daniel was very strong and did not agree with my decision.  So he kicked, screamed and fought me intensely as I literally dragged him to the basement door, approximately thirty feet away.  By the time Mom heard our struggle, understood the situation and raced to us, the snake was gone.  Daniel was unhappy.  I was exhausted. 

The story doesn't end there.  The following day, I fell through the basement door glass as it shattered into countless pieces.  I can still hear the sound of that glass breaking as if it just happened. I vividly recall the countless, shiny, sharp pieces lying below, beside and above me as Mom rushed to help.

One afternoon, my brother was almost bitten by a copperhead snake.  A day later, I was lying in a large mound of broken glass.  Noticing that I would not eat, drink or sleep, my parents called the doctor.  He explained that I was in shock and advised them how to care for me.  It took about one week for me to recover. (My parents must have been exhausted, too, bless their hearts!)

To this day, I cannot tolerate the sound of breaking glass.  My family realizes it terrifies me now just as it terrified me the day I fell through the glass door.  Recently a juice glass fell out of our cabinet and I immediately screamed and gasped. My husband quickly assured me that the glass didn't break and that all was well.  He understood why it upset me and how to handle my response.

I began thinking.  Life certainly brings many struggles, too.  Maybe it's a stressful job, loss of a loved one, health issues, family concerns or finances.  Maybe we feel worn out, beaten up, knocked down, weary or as if we are lying in shattered glass...numb...bleeding...wondering how to get through another moment.  I don't have answers to life. But I do know this.  Whatever I face, I know I am not alone.  Whether grieving, suffering, stressing, struggling or in shock, knowing God cares and holds me...makes all the difference.  He hears me.  He cares about me.  He loves me.  He carries me.  I find strength and hope in Him.  I am so grateful for His Presence and His peace.♥~thl

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way.  The Lord be with all of you."  2 Thessalonians 3: 16