Made Perfect by Weakness

Today, a dear friend came up to me after Mass and asked, “Are you okay?  You haven’t blogging in two weeks.”  I answered truthfully, “No, I am not.  I have had a migraine headache going on ten days.  But frankly, it’s more than that I am in hormonal hell.” 

As I described the headaches, the hot flashes, and the sleepless nights I have been enduring for the past ten days, I watched her nod her head in empathy.  “I understand,” she said, “I am 52”. Then she went on to describe exactly how I was feeling, the sense total failure as a wife, mother, and Christian, and the irrational snapping at my husband and children. 

I have been unable to exercise or spent any extended time on the computer because both aggravate the raging headache which greets me at dawn for the past week and a half.  I struggle through my prayer life, and I feel I am just going through the motions.  I teach my four year old her vowel sounds, pick up kids from school, help with homework, but by the end of the day, I am utterly exhausted and irritable.

I take comfort in the words of Saint Paul,

The Lord said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. I will rather boast most gladly of my weakness, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.”  (2 Cor. 12: 9-10)

There were so many moments to be grateful for this past week. 

On Thursday, Bumblebee started sporting her new purple eye glasses thanks to her Gram. She is  able to recognize letters as we drive around town.  She is much more responsive to teaching, and is now tracing her letters, a task which was impossible for her to do before. 

This weekend the weather has been rainy and miserable, however the girls were busy playing with a beautiful dollhouse given to them by young lady on Friday.

Saturday, I received two gift cards from a dear friend, who told me NOT to write her a “thank you” note.  So I will say:

“God bless you, and your family!”  

And today at church, I received the empathy from my friend so I know I am not alone in how I feel as I go through this affliction called “The Change.” 

She also told me “I miss your writing.” 

Today, I needed to hear that.

 

 

Comments

[Bozena]

Adorable!

[Bridget]

I was writing an email to you when I saw your tweet about this post. I miss you and your writing and your encouragement and friendship, too. Praying for you, friend.

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thank you Bridget for your kind words of encouragement.

You are a friend, indeed. One day I hope to met you in person.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thanks Bozena, she picked out the eye glasses herself.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Carmen]

I've missed my Mary! Please let me know how I can help - and let me!

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thanks Carmen.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Alicia]

I'm sorry to hear you've had a difficult couple of weeks. I'll add you to my prayers. May God bless you with peace and serenity. <3

[Margaret]

Another Catholic mom blogger, Lisa Hendey, just wrote about something similar this week! http://www.faithandfamilylive.com/blog/aging_gracefully
The comments from the readers had some good insights, I thought.

I am glad you are back! I missed reading your blog. How wonderful that you were attentive enough to realize that Bumblebee was not being obstinate or lazy; that she could not SEE! I love that now she can do all those things she could not do before. I got glasses in 2nd grade, and it was like a magical world opening up to me. I had no idea that there was so much to see.

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thank you for the link, Margaret. I am looking forward to reading Lisas article.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thank you for your prayers of peace and serenity, Alicia.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Headless Mom]

I've been having similar symptoms for the last 4 years. I totally get where you're coming from, and YUCK. The headache though? Get it checked out. 10 days is much too long for that.

Praying that you have deep, restful, and restorative sleep tonight.

xo

[kyooty]

I missed you too!!!! The headache sounds nasty! get that checked out for sure.

[Sharon O]

Adorable sweetness in her new glasses, wil pray for your headaches they are no fun. Have a doctor appointment?

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Sharon,

I am calling tomorrow for an appointment with a new doctor. Thank you for your concern.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thanks Kyooty.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thanks Headless Mom, I had a hard time falling asleep but when I did, I slept HARD. And guess what? No headache this morning.Thank you God.

Still, I am calling tomorrow for a doctors appointment.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

Thanks Alicia,

For your kind words, I am actually feeling much better this week.

Peace be with you,

Mary
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[Geri]

Bumblebee's glasses are adorable! Thanks for posting the picture. She looks as smart as I know she is.
I have missed your blog too but knew why you have been out of circulation.
You and your family are in my prayers.
Love, Gram

[Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith]

The eye glasses have trully opened up a new world to her, she is starting to write something she refused to do before, probably because of the lack of depth perception.She LOVES her glasses!

Peace be with you,

Mary
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