A couple weeks ago, we had to take Sam to Methodist Hospital in Des Moines to be put under general anesthesia so that he could have some tests (x-ray, CT scan and blood work). I realize that these are three minor tests and you may wonder why in the world would anyone have to be put under anesthesia for these three tests? To say that Sam is uncooperative for any medical procedure would be a gross understatement. In order for the insurance company to agree to do these tests, we were forced to try them without anesthesia a couple weeks prior. Needless to say, those who were witness to the event agree with us that Sam needs to be put to sleep for any medical tests to be accomplished.
Anyway, I don’t want to focus on the tests (which all turned out good) or the frustrations in us having to go through the attempt without anesthesia. What I want to focus on is how lame I am sometimes in seeing God’s hand in the mundane. Stacy is great at this. I suck at this. I can get caught up in the moment and really neglect to see the big picture.
We had to take Sam to the room with the CT scan. We met the anesthesiologist there, with his assistant and the transport guy. So the room included five of us plus Sam. We tried to get the mask on Sam so that the gas would put him asleep. Our first attempt was a struggle. OK, it was a war … and Sam won. The doctor then gave Sam a quick shot of something and we started round 2. We won round 2. The mask was put on Sam’s face. The five of us held Sam down and he was asleep in 30 seconds or so.
I was pretty well spent following this. In fact, I was an emotional wreck. It was one of those times where I just couldn’t speak because I knew if I would speak, I would cry. Trust me, I have held Sam down for several medical procedures. I am guessing a hundred. This always stinks. I am happy to do it, because I don’t want Sam to be in a room totally of strangers as he is traumatized and scared. So, Stacy and I get to physically restrain him – and this is always hard.
Anyway, following this time, Stacy makes the comment how thankful she is to Jesus that He provided the people necessary to accomplish this battle with Sam. The three men were incredibly nice and understanding. In fact, the assistant to the anesthesiologist mentioned that he is an adoptive parent to several children with special needs and that he always asks to be involved when kids like Sam need tests. He was very gracious to us and was good for Sam. He basically hugged Sam and spoke to him all the time until he was asleep.
Stacy sees a situation like this and gives thanks to God. I see a situation like this and get caught up in the situation, frustrated how things are, a little angry at God that Sam can’t hold still like normal people. Sometimes I am so shallow and have so little faith that it amazes me.
The great thing is that it is at times like this where God meets us. God meets us where we are at, in the day to day struggles of life. Sometimes it is hard to see God during those struggles, but his Word says that he is there with us. I am so thankful for Stacy and her ability to see God in these situations. One of my favorite songs is “Life is Hard, but God is Good” by Pam Thum. It is so true.
What situation are you going through that it is hard to see God?
