An Unexpected Blessing Brings Joy to my Heart Just in Time for Easter
Posted: Sunday, April 12, 2009
by Teresa Ortiz
Freelance writer/Speaker
It's been one of those days. You know the kind where you are not exactly sad, but not entirely happy either. Well, this was me today.
I spent most of the day researching information for my next two articles and did some reading. I was grateful to be busy, but it didn't help my mind from wandering toward my husband, who is currently away from home. Last night he spent a few hours in the ER, awaiting news of the extent of his injuries he sustained while leaping forward to rescue a little old (or should I say elderly) woman from a fall….okay, maybe this isn't completely true, but it could have happened that way. Truth is he has a lung infection caused by his asthma, which is causing severe coughing episodes. He was having a coughing fit when he heard a pop/tare kind of sound, then the pain quickly followed. I know, I agree, the other story sounds much more heroic; the truth however, is boring and proof he is getting older. I was thinking about writing a "You know you're getting older when…." Kind of article because this would be number one on the list. Followed by, you know you're getting older when… you get excited about the new coffee maker you want for your birthday. Seriously, that is all he wanted for his birthday last March. Then there is the flannel PJ's you got for Christmas -- so warm and cozy!
Oops, I'm getting away from the reason I am sharing my day with you. Forgive me.
Anyway, as my mind wandered toward my husband, I was bummed that I couldn't be there to take care of him while he recovers from the torn muscle from his ribs. (Don't laugh, coughing is serious thing when you are old.) My children were not here all day either, so as evening approached I geared up for an evening of Facebook, Searchwarp, and a large dose of self-pity which would last well into Easter Sunday being my children will be off celebrating elsewhere until evening and of course no husband – and that's when it happened.
I was answering emails and reading articles when a friend of mine chimed in on instant messenger after she read my request for prayer. It was about 8:30 my time, and 10:30 her time. We ended up IM-ing back and forth about Easter plans, church, and music. This led to sending links to u-tube videos of our favorite worship music for each other to view. Which led to me saying hymn's remind me of funeral music. Before we knew it, we were talking about what songs we wanted played at our funerals. We laughed at the irony of it – especially since I said that I wanted to have the disco version of Shine Jesus Shine playing at mine. There will not be any boring, old, depressing hymns at my service – thanks, but no thanks.
It suddenly felt like we had been talking for quite sometime, when I looked at the clock, I could not believe it was almost 10:30, which meant she stayed up past mid-night keeping me company.
We decided it was probably time to say, "see ya" but before we did, she sent me a link to a Tim Hawkins video. She watched and laughed on her side of the screen as I did mine. Until tonight, I had not heard of this comedian. He is hilarious and I plan to tune in to him often.
It's late now, but I had to share this special treat with you. God is so faithful to give us what we need at the perfect time.
Instead having a pity party, I was blessed with a laughing party (if there is such a thing) and I now have joy that will last well into Easter Sunday, sustaining me until my children get home for a nice dinner together. I am still sad that my husband won't be home with us, but I am happy that he will be with his mom and sisters to celebrate the great gift God has given us in Jesus Christ.
Instead of falling asleep in sadness, I can go to sleep with a smile on my face.
Things may not be as we want them to be, but if we call on God, he will hear us and give us unexpected blessings that will bring joy to our hearts despite our circumstances.
Is someone on your mind? Give them a call – you never know, you just might be the answer to their prayer! May you look to the Lord and allow Him to breathe in you new life! God bless you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovk3VmoV5cY&feature=related
© Teresa Ortiz
Art isn't getting old, he's just more loved. It's that what we say about old things we love dearly. (HAhA)I have my funeral music pick out too. I always thought that made me a good planner. I just had to plan and attend so many funerals in the past few years, that I thought this would be helpful for whoever had to do mine. Strange?Anyway, I enjoyed the article. Have a Happy Easter!oops, see below, I responded in the wrong place. :-) Figures.
HAHAHAHA! Yes, he is currently way, way loved more :-)You have always been a better planner than me. How can I possibly plan with a memory like mine? I think planning our own furneral helps relieve our family members and not strange at all.I am glad you enjoyed this article. Have a wonderful day in Dana Point! I do hope the weather worked out much better today! Big hugs! Teresa
Happy Easter, Teresa. Your article was great and the YouTube links were great. I had never heard of Tim Hawkins--I will have to tell my daughter about him. She will get a charge out of his comedy. Thanks for sharing.SandraHi Sandra! Happy Easter to you too! Isn't he hilarious? I would love to see a full-length show of His.Have a wondeful week!Hugs, Teresa
Great article, hope your husband feels better soon. Laughter is the best medicine and it is great when you can share laughs with other people.Hi Samuel, thank you so much, I appreciate that. I agree, laughter is the best medicine, although in this case, laughing would not be to fun for him :-)Blessings to you! Teresa
Faithful friend and faithful Lord. Doesn't get much better.Hi Anon,Thanks for the input. Amen to that!! Have a blessed week!Teresa
Great article. Well done.Hope your husband recovers!By the way...I like the video.Hi Connor,Thank you :-) I am glad you liked the video! Have a blessed day!Teresa
God works in mysterious ways Teresa. It was no coincidence your friend messaged you! It's exactly what you needed and He knew it! Glad to hear your day had a happy ending. I hope your husband is feeling better.
Hi Brianna, Thanks for reading and for the reinforcement :-)I am so glad God's ways are not my ways!Blessings to you! Teresa
A great ending from a Great God. I'm thankful things turned around when you were headed down the road of despair, Sistah T. We serve a God who delivers unexpected blessings. He wants our joy full! I'll save the video when I need it but will share it with others. Thanks for that!Hey Sistah!Amen, well put. I love that God is Holy and Righteous, but I really love that He is personal and tends to our every need.{{Squeeze}}Teresa
Wonderful article, Sis. You are such a blessing, not only to me, but to the world. I pray you will not have to be away from your husband too much longer.Hey Bro! Thanks so much - you make me blush.I think we are deciding that we will be moving to CA before the end of the year, so we shouldn't be apart too much longer. We are praying for wisdom, but it is all pointing that way. Considering he has about 6 mths worth of work down there and has already been gone for 6.Thanks for the support!! Sis
Another great writing, Teresa. Your friend is blessed by you, I am sure. I was reminded of our mortality just a couple days ago as we attended a family visitation for a friend's relative. He was a good 20 years older than we are and the number of seniors there was amazing. I was not able to go to the funeral the next day, but heard the music was wonderful. I know it brought comfort to the family. Anyway, I am now rambling. Thanks for the encouraging article.Hi Lorrie, Music is a powerful thing, friendship and unity even bigger! Thanks for being you!Hugs, Teresa
More comments