Stand Amazed

I have friends doing beautiful things.
Hard things.

Caring for a baby that might go back
To a bad situation. No way to change that.
Nothing to do but wait. Grieving.

Working full time and parenting two children
While the spouse does a year of residency far away.
Finally realizing the stress of months of constant work. Tired.

Readying a home or two for sale or moving while dealing with
Extended family trauma with grace and understanding.
And working through personal baggage. Hopeful.

Caring for a dying mother and a senile father
While loving children and grandchildren
Who sometimes make painful choices. Heartbroken. Luminous.

Preparing for marriage after a whirlwind courtship
While living in a city far from the intended,
And facing upheaval of her entire world. Joyful. Uncertain.

Beginning life anew
After the expected path ended.
Hoping for a new path with less pain. Unfurling.

Caring for children who are not neurotypical;
Caring for an overwhelmed relative not too far away,
Trying to make sure she keeps together for each new day. Caring.

Starting a new job after eight months of hating work,
And that time and more wrestling with God.
Sending prayers, encouragement, blessing to those around her. Loving.

Speaking to people about the work of the Holy Spirit
And calling those around her to faithfulness
While dealing with sometimes embarrassing physical limitations. Advocating.

Dealing with unwelcome news with fortitude,
Because she will do nothing else
Except move on, step by step. Faithful.

This was my week. Hearing these beautiful things.
Hard things.

And if I cry, it’s not only sorrow.
It’s richness of love and life.

Stand amazed at the company I keep.