The theme for today is: Joy and Sorrow.
Joy and sorrow make a great couple. Opposites do attract. What a pair. Can’t have one without the other. They compliment each other. “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). There’s “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance” (Ecclesiastes 3:4). Laugh with people. Cry with people. That’s real life.
Our lives are filled with joys and sorrows. Jesus knows this. Jesus lived this. He rejoiced. He mourned.
Jesus rejoiced. Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will” (Luke 10:21). The word ‘rejoiced’ denotes a strong feeling of exultation. It indicates enthusiasm and spiritual joy. Luke could see it in Jesus’ eyes. He could see it in Jesus’ manner and expression. That’s why the Holy Spirit made him write about it. Jesus shared his joyful emotions because He had a Father who would bestow His grace on those who no one else would. On those who wouldn’t deserve it. Including us. A Saviour who showed joy from the heart. Genuine joy from a genuine Saviour.
Jesus mourned. “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). The word ‘compassion’ literally means ‘his guts were moved.’ It refers to a gut wrenching and heart wrenching feeling that Jesus had on people. Compassion from the gut. Compassion from the heart. Genuine compassion, genuine mourning, from a genuine Saviour.
What a friend we and Zach have in Jesus! “A friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). A friend who rejoices with those who rejoice and mourns with those who mourn.
Today’s Updates:
Zach had increased agitation again this week, especially with regular care like getting his vitals taken, receiving medications, and transferring between his chair and bed. Sometimes he indicates that he wants to sit in his wheelchair, but then he becomes so upset that he will kick his legs and rock his chair back and forth. Other times, he will seem to get stuck answering “no” to every question so that it is hard to determine what he needs. Zach’s care team is increasing the dose of his mood regulating medication to see if this helps. They also took some samples and bloodwork to determine if there could be an infection that is bothering Zach. Please pray that Zach will become less agitated. Pray that he will be able to regulate his mood and communicate his needs clearly. Please also pray that his care team will be able to deliver the care that he needs each day.
Zach had less therapies than normal this week, with only one or two sessions on his busiest days, compared to the usual four or five. Zach will have less physiotherapy sessions going forward as he transitions to more long-term rehab, when he will receive physiotherapy and other therapies through ARBI (Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured). There is up to a two month wait list for Zach before he will be able to access ARBI. Please pray that Zach will be able to access therapies through ARBI soon. Some of Zach’s other therapists were away this week, so hopefully he will have more sessions when they return next week. Less therapies means that more of the responsibility for keeping Zach busy and healthy, like doing his stretches and maintaining his dexterity, falls to his family. Please pray for us as we support Zach in these ways. Zach was also too agitated to go down to his therapies a couple of times this week, and sometimes he was too tired to interact in his therapies. Please pray that Zach will feel ready for the therapies that he does have, and that he will have the energy that he needs for all of his treatments.
Zach has been a bit fussier about his food this week, often refusing foods that he has had a lot, like mashed potatoes. Other times he will refuse to eat anything at meal times, or will only eat one or two items. Zach is still avoiding drinking anything, so he is getting extra water through his PEG tube to avoid dehydration. Please pray that Zach will feel like eating and drinking at meal times, and pray that he will enjoy his food.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Zach. Please pray that he will feel calm and safe. Pray that he will be patient when we are not able to understand what he is communicating. Please pray that he will feel God’s presence and love always. Have a blessed Sunday.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.”
(Romans 12:9-16)
