Life's Ups & Downs

The irony was unmistakable. We had spent an enjoyable Thanksgiving day with my sister-in-law and her family. As we caught up on family news, she asked how our sixteen year old cat, Courtney, was getting along. I remember smiling when I answered that she was doing well. Imagine my shock when we got home later that evening, and Courtney's eye was almost swollen shut. She was fine when we left - what could have possibly happened in the few hours we had been away?

A trip to our local vet escalated our concern. Not only did she have elevated blood pressure, but the pressure in her right eye was almost three times higher than normal. The doctor suspected glaucoma. I had heard of the condition, but wasn't aware that it could affect animals.

Glaucoma is an eye disorder marked by unusually high pressure in the eyeball that leads to damage of the optic disk (Encarta Dictionary). In humans, the condition is extremely painful. The vet referred us to an ophthalmologist, who could examine Courtney further and give us our options. Armed with medication to control her blood pressure, we left the vet's office ready to contact the specialist on Monday.

We received good news over the weekend. Courtney's blood work came back within the normal range for a senior cat. I heaved a sigh of relief, imagining the swollen eye was due to her high blood pressure, and now that she was on medication, everything would return to normal. But my sense of relief was short lived.

The ophthalmologist visit eased some concerns, but raised new questions. The pressure in Courtney's eye had come down significantly, but the doctor's specialized equipment uncovered another problem - a mass on her iris. We had a big decision to make. Ultimately, removing the eye would give her the best prognosis.

Life is full of ups and downs. King Solomon understood this truth when he penned these words, "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance," (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4; KJV).

Knowing that God is in control even in the midst of life's valleys, is comforting. Christ himself experienced times of joy and grief while on this earth, so I know He can identify with the ups and downs I go through.

Job, a God-fearing man in the Old Testament, experienced one of life's extreme valleys. He lost his children and all of his wealth in one day. Instead of cursing God, consider his response, "...What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10b).

Even when life gets difficult, I'm determined to adopt the attitude of Job - to praise the Lord no matter the outcome! "...the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord," (Job 1:21b).

What about you? Are you currently in a valley? How will you respond?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your comfort in the middle of life's difficulties. Help me embrace the truth that You are good, no matter what I may be going through. Today I choose to praise You because You are "great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone," (Psalm 86:10). In Jesus' name, Amen.

Perfect Prescription

I noticed that she didn't have the usual sparkle in her eye, or the spring in her step. In fact, her demeanor was puny at best. For a puppy who usually runs down the hill to greet me, tail wagging all the way, Precious' current lack of enthusiasm clued me in: I knew a trip to the vet was necessary.

Following her appointment, I walked to the car, three different medications in hand. An ear infection warranted two of the prescriptions, while a skin irritation required the third. There wasn't a general pill that could be given to take care of both problems, but rather specific medications for each need. Otomax to be messaged into her ears to clear up the ear infection, as well as an oral antibiotic to rid the infection from her system. Hydroxyzine could be given up to three times a day to help with the itching caused by an allergic reaction.

Within 24-hours, Precious had visibly improved. Her eyes were clearer and she once again bounded down the hill to greet me. There was no doubt in my mind that the medications were working.

I was reminded that just like the vet knew the specific medications my dog needed, the Great Physician knows exactly what 'medicine' I need for each trial I face. When I'm discouraged that the article I labored over wasn't accepted, He gives me the prescription for encouragement, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance" (Psalm 42:6; KJV).

When the phone calls I make are met with insensitivity, I can meditate on His sensitivity as shared in Psalm 42:8, "Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life." When those negative thoughts begin to bombard my mind, I can take His 'pill' for positive thinking, "Finally brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8).

His prescription for worry is outlined in the book of 1 Peter, "Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you" (1 Peter 5:7). When I'm having an especially difficult time forgiving that friend or relative, He gently reminds me, "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses" (Matthew 6:14-15).

Just like I needed to take my dog to the vet to get the medicine that would make her well, I need to go to the Great Physician and receive the 'medicine' from His Word that will heal my soul. My Heavenly Father knows when I'm in need of a prescription. He's well-acquainted with every 'sickness,' and He knows the exact 'medicine' I need for my soul.

If you're under the weather today, won't you schedule an appointment with the Great Physician and let His Word apply healing balm to your soul? There's never a wait, and His prescriptions never fail!