Our Sacrifices Due To Illness

 “Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” Ephesians 5:1-2

    Throughout my daughter’s childhood, illnesses kept me from being able to travel much or to be involved in her activities. This was one of the most painful things in my life. I missed far too much. But I determined that my disabilities would not limit or get in the way of her activities.

    Often, I had to grit my teeth in frustration as my wife and daughter headed out the door to some activity or event. I assured them that I was fine, and they must not feel bad for me, but to enjoy the event. I chose not to go to something that I knew would end up with me becoming a drag on their fun as my illnesses kicked in.

    We sacrifice much because of our illnesses. It is hard to stay home, to lay in our sickbed, and watch our loved ones go off to have fun without us. Yet we don’t want the day to revolve around our limitations instead of the enjoyment of our loved ones.

    Many such events found me home, just the Lord and me in solitude. It is one of those sacrifices that our illness demands that costs us memories and joy and experiences we will never get back. It is one of the hardest things about illness and disability. It is a terrible price to pay for a body that cannot function normally and reminds us of that fact time and again.

    Perhaps you too have made sacrifices because of your illness and feel robbed of experiences with family and friends. These situations we must give over to God, and trust that the losses we suffer here, will be recompensed over there when we reach heaven.

    Prayer: Dear Lord, illness has robbed us of so much, give us comfort and peace in place of our losses. Amen.