This past Sunday we were in the third week of Advent, and the topic was joy (the pink candle). Before the service, someone asked me how I was doing, and after saying I was doing well, the question came out, “Really? How is your daughter?”
For those who don’t know, my oldest daughter lives with chronic illness. This makes things quite challenging for her. This year has had more challenges than others since she got her port 5 years ago (the port allows her to get fluids to stop her chronic fainting from POTS).
Our race schedule got messed up this year, and I ended up adding Challenge Daytona (half Ironman 70.3 distance) to my race schedule. Racing (and training) helps me to stay healthy and is something I do to relax.
The day before we were set to leave for Daytona, we got a call that Cassie had a fever and had to get to the ER right away. Her husband was working, and we were able to get to her quicker, so off we went. Normally we would still be packing but for some reason – God – we were ready the night before. This never happens.
My wife took her bag and stayed with her at the hospital while I came back with the dogs (got back around midnight). The next morning, things seemed like a go so I took the pups to pupcare and headed to Preflight to shuttle in. My wife got what seemed like positive news and headed to the airport. While in route, we got word that something was going on. While checking in for our flight, we find out that she had an infection (sepsis).
After many calls with all of our children, and many tears later, we decided to go. They all said that I had been training for months, and since much of the trip was non-refundable, it made sense to at least give it a try.
My son’s words really stood out. “If something changes, you can come back, but God provides.”
Praise God, on Friday night we found out that she wouldn’t need surgery to remove her port. We are so thankful that our kids stepped up. Caitie flew in from NC for the weekend, and Stephen changed his plans, so that they could be there to help out so that we could get the weekend away.
When we got back my wife repacked (clothes and work computers) and the next day was at the hospital for the rest of Cassie’s stay (thank the Lord she works remote). Because of the way that they needed to treat the infection to make sure it doesn’t come back, my wife was with them (except for church) through Monday night. We will also be helping out the next couple of days while her husband works.
My daughter (for the second time this year) missed going to the Jonas Brother’s concert (both due to hospitalizations). Her faith is amazing. For those who wonder how she does it, or for those looking for encouragement during difficulties, you can go to her page www.livingthechronicillnesslife.com.
This was a very challenging time, and seeing my daughter go through her challenges, especially this most recent one, was hard.
In times like this, can you find joy? It depends on where your joy comes from.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 NIV
God reworked the message on joy that I had for Sunday morning. I don’t know if any of you are facing challenges right now, or are struggling to have joy this Christmas season. If so, you are welcome to check out the message God worked in me for this Sunday. It was a help to me, and might be for you as well.
The Advent reading starts at 20:05, scripture reading at 24:24, video for the message at 26:08, and the sermon starts at 33:10 (there is a hymn between the video and the sermon).
Along the Multicolored Road 
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