Family Visits in the Middle of Healing

 The first weekend of September, my mother-in-law and her boyfriend came for a visit. I was excited to see family, but I’ll be honest—there was also some nervousness. Would I be too tired? Too sore? Would my healing hold us back from doing things together?

They arrived Friday evening, which just so happened to be Eddie’s birthday. With everyone’s schedules, we kept it simple—pizza and then out for ice cream at the shop where my daughter works. Once again, my amazing son was my personal chauffeur, pushing me in a wheelchair all the way to the ice cream place. We laughed so much along the way—sometimes joy rolls right beside us, even on wheels.

The next day was my daughter’s cross-country home meet (I already shared that in my “Learning to Navigate Daily Life” post), and then later we went out for dinner. That night was harder. The restaurant was noisy and full of energy, but after a few days of quiet and stillness, the loudness felt overwhelming. No one really knew I struggled that night—I tend to keep those feelings hidden because I don’t want to be a downer. But stuffing those emotions only left me drained.  I’m learning in this season that it’s okay to share. It’s okay to admit when the noise feels too loud, when the ache in my leg feels too sharp, when the weight of recovery feels heavier than expected. Healing isn’t just physical—it’s mental and emotional too. And in the silence of my heart that night, I released it all to the Lord. Since that night I have had more emotions and feelings in this mental part of healing.  I take it one day at a time and trust the Lord with my heart every moment of every day... even when I may be confused in the moment.  

The next morning, my mother-in-law and her boyfriend joined us at church. My husband got to preach, my daughter helped in worship with her beautiful voice, and I sat there thinking: This is what matters most—Jesus, family, and the gift of being together.  I had the privilege to sit right next to my mother in law, I love her deeply and I pray our relationship would grow stronger.  

Even in the thick of healing, I treasure these moments. Because they remind me that weakness is not the end of the story. Paul reminds us:

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
—2 Corinthians 12: 

Isaiah 41:10 – a reminder of God’s presence when you feel weak: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

I may not have had the energy to do it all, but Christ gave me the strength to endure, to laugh, to worship, and to love. And really—that’s enough.

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 Maybe you’re in a season where you feel “too weak” or “too much” for others. Can I remind you that God sees your struggle, and He is not disappointed in your weakness—He delights to fill it with His strength. Don’t stuff it in. Share it with Him. He carries what feels too heavy for you.

Philippians 4:6-7 – when worry and emotions rise: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”