Finding Joy in Sick Days

Everyone in my house, save my husband, has been unwell. Fevers, teething, hot and colds, runny noses, terrible coughs and all sorts of physical yucks. I have to say my attitude has gotten better. I remember a night when I first had my oldest child, a little over 4 years ago. It was awful  I am pretty sure I cussed out my husband the whole time I walked the floor with her. I didn't think if fair that I gave up my night to walk with her when he got to sleep. I finally got around to praying, (Oh, how things have changed!!) Heavenly Father is so ready to give blessings and calm little ones it only takes us recognizing His position in all that we do. Within a few minutes of conversing with the Lord she calmed and slept...of course after passing gas!

These days, two more babies added to the family, learning from dear new friends, and spending time in prayer and studying my out look is very different. I find joy in holding my poor sick babies. I enjoy falling asleep on the floor with them and holding their beautiful innocent spirits in my arms. They have such a great need for a safe secure, warm and loving home. Contention between my Cowboy and I only destroy that beautiful environment they need. And since I have learned this and have made the commitment to work towards this our differences are so few and far between. (It also helps that I am not seeking an argument. I Love to argue and get the blood flowing sometimes.)

I do not get joy in my children being sick but I am no longer resentful to having had them. It breaks my heart that they do not feel well. It is even harder to care for them when I, myself, do not feel well either. But I would not wish to anywhere else in the world or in our existence. In fact, I have completely different outlook. Many women find it almost offensive when I talk about--or more so when my husband talks about--how I do not see the point in my husband & myself being up with sick kids. He has to get up and work in the morning. I can be a bit slower the next day. We are not set at a schedule that is dictated by the business world at home like he is each day.

I do not demand my husband get up with me. But when or if he sees a need he jumps right in to help. If there are two babies crying, he jumps up to the other one. Sometimes, I have learned, if I am sleeping so soundly if one child cries, he jumps up anyway without waking me. I can't help but feel blessed. He supports me in all aspects of our home life. Though not expected to he jumps right in to help with the nurturing. As the Proclamation to the World states:

 "By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners." (You can find the entire Proclamation here. Definitely worth reading over and over and over!!)

And I married a very good man. One who takes his responsibility in our family above and beyond!! Our family is blessed. We are finding joy in all things. We are seeking happiness beyond temporal fun. And to us that is fun.