Through Life's Sufferings

That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day. – 2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

My son was recovering from his cold and despite the lingering coughs, my husband and I allowed him to go to their highschool’s play on Saturday night. Knowing that he was eager to see the art work he did for the Drama Deparment and he was bringing his 2 close friends. I asked him if he could invite them over a little early than the set time so the three of them could talk and just have a good time prior to watching the play and enjoy dinner together. I knew his friends since elementary. Nearing the departure from their highschools, my husband and I loved to see them keep their friendships more than ever. All of them were good kids who loved talking about politics, life’s challenges pertaining to their age, and as expected, the clash of opinions when they would not agree with each other. Despite...it made them closer.

After the play, they went to a coffee shop and my son, never knowing the barista had put 2 tea bags, found out after drinking it. When he got home, he couldn’t sleep. He was literally watching the clock hour after hour. The fact that he was just recovering from his illness, he started feeling tired again that night. Until the morning, when my husband and I had to go for an appointment and still, our son remained awake. I felt sorry for him. Being a “night owl” as a nurse, I knew the feeling of sleep evading as if it wanted you to just keep chasing it. I reassured him. Once the caffeine’s effects waned, sleep would come. It did…I was relieved to see him on his bed, with eyes closed and not aware of what was going on. 

“Finally,” I whispered to myself.

When he got up, I had food prepared as he missed his lunch…Then…I heard him choking up as he talked with his dad. As if a pent-up pressure was being released, he talked about the stressful homework from his AP classes. He said he was not complaining about having them because that was his choice to be in those advanced classes. He was just getting tired because the homework kept coming. And that was what his friends and him even talked about. Even on the weekends. My husband was quick to hug him. As I fought my own tears of hearing him not disclose what truly bothered him . Though we never lacked reminding him that his health was more important than his grades. That was why we enjoyed it when his friends and him would get together. We knew…he needed that break. Time to time. He looked energized after getting the coveted sleep for a few hours. As he ate a bowl of soup, he kept venting out. He knew he didn’t need to wait to graduate to see how college would be. He knew. He was already in a college level at this time. And the pressure was much more. 

“Don’t allow this pressure to take over you. That’s why we remind you to take a break time to time.”

“Yes, Mom,” he quickly replied as he took a sip  of the warm broth.

“Are you feeling better now that you were able to sleep?”

“Yes," as a little bit of crumbs from the toast fell on his plate.

After countless hugs and reassurance, we reminded him. 

Of the importance of coming to his father and this mother whenever he encounters life’s trial. Because it’s not always going to be a victory. It’s not always going to be a smooth road. It’s important that he doesn’t quit despite life’s pressures. We keep on fighting. We keep on moving forward but with steps that go against the flow of this world. We don’t listen to ill advices nor please others just to move ahead. We just focus on Jesus. The One Who never quit on us. The One Who gave His life on the cross so we could live.

He cleared his throat. A drop of tear dried up in the corner of his eye. Then, a smile appeared until a good laugh was released as the three of us recalled a funny moment. My husband and I looked at each other. We knew…He would be okay. We knew the two of us would be okay. Because of Him. Jesus. 

"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." – Matthew 18:20 (NASB)

The One Who keeps reminding the two of us through sufferings and trials that we are given His joy. His gift that goes far beyond being “happy.” Joy that is within. Not based from outward circumstances. Joy that we can share with our dear child. Even when we are all sailing through a storm. For He is there...going through tough times. With us...Thank You Jesus!