Caring for our own illness while
parenting our children is a challenge.
Laura shares where we must find
our strength.
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6).
Strength: the quality of being physically strong. The quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way.
As parents living with chronic illness the last thing we feel is physically strong. Our bodies fight us constantly and our mind often goes along for the ride.
I know one friend through my internet connections that barely gets out of her chair, yet she teaches her children all sorts of things. They know about perseverance, courage, faith in God, and to look at the little blessings in life.
I’m sure there are many difficult moments in their family–like many families–but there are also happy times that they share; quality time they will cherish forever.
Early in my illness I found myself crying on the floor; snot dripping from my nose; tears running from my eyes. It was not a pretty site.
My 11-year-old was much younger then. I distinctly remember crying out “God help me,” and in bounced my young son. He lied down on the floor, put his arms around me, and began talking about our favorite hockey team. I’m convinced he was sent by God at that exact moment to help.
We eventually got up off the floor, continued our conversation, and my tears stopped. I was reminded that I had much more work to do on this earth.
I’ve had many rough spots on this journey and have made mistakes as a parent, but my three kids are learning empathy. The understand more about the fragility of health and value little things. They see me rely more on God and I pray this helps them grow in their faith.
We are our children’s greatest teachers and despite our illnesses are a tremendous value to them.
We have strength regardless of our physical weaknesses and must not forget this.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for helping to remind us that we have strengths despite our physical ailments and we are important and vital to our families. Guide us as we fill such as an important role in life as a parent. In Your name, dear Lord, Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three children. She is a retired elementary school counselor who discovered her love of writing about 35 years ago. Laura is the disability/chronic illness advocate for her church and also enjoys running a HopeKeepers group. She is writing a book about her illness, dysautonomia: the deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. She had a pacemaker implanted in October 2013 as a result of dysautonomia slowing her heart rate.
How have you learned to balance living with a chronic illness and parenting?
I understand just how hard parenting can be when you are ill–and your kids need you desperately. This song, “Not For a Moment” with Meredith Andrews has some real comforting lyrics–whether you are a parent or not. It shares of how no matter how much it feels like God takes a break from our lives, He doesn’t leave us for even a moment. Bless you today. -Lisa
If you only knew how much I needed this today. I have been struggling with the “I can’ts” lately and forgetting what I can do. Thank you so much! And you are right, my son wraps those little arms around me at the right moment because God knows!!!
Ann, Thank you for writing. I am glad this helped today and yes our children our remarkable. God bless you and give you His comfort. Laura
Hi Laura, my children are now 42 and 43. We had many tough times and yet God was so faithful and redeemed those times. I am visiting one now and just talked to one on the phone. I could just pop my buttons!! I’m so proud of them. God redeemed their going with me through breast cancer, colon removal, horrible divorce when they were 2 and 3, and much more. So take heart–He will provide where you can’t. Lovingly, Jackie
That is a wonderful testament Jackie. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings. Laura
Thank you Laura for that devotional, it encouraged me and reminded me of the blessings i have recieved over the years from my family.
I have had my illness for over 40 years and have felt God’s presence in the really tought times thru the love of my children. Yes there have been many times I have felt I have let the family down, but they have never complained. A few days ago my daughter who doesn’t express who feelings much sent me an emai thanking me for being so adaptable and for teaching her to cope with all the challenges life throws at you.She said see she hopes she can do the same for her children.
I pray that she will remeber and know where I get my strength from. – My Lord and Saviour.
I now have the privilege of having the love and support of my 4 loving grand children whose love and support keep me going in the tough times
Raelene, how wonderful to receive an email from your daughter with such affirmations. Thank you for sharing your journey and reminding us that Lord is with us throughout. Blessings. Laura
I sure could relate to what you wrote Laura!
It’s really tough being ill, yet I recall plenty of times of quietly crying in the bathroom, while parenting my children when I was “well!” It’s all worth it though! God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Agreed Kerryn, It is worth it. Parenting is truly rewarding. Blessings. Laura
🙂 Lotsoluv Kerryn