Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
My husband travels a lot for his job, and although I have adjusted to this lifestyle to a degree, it is never easy. I miss him terribly when he is gone. He usually travels during the week, but every once in a while, the company plans a mandatory trip over the weekend.
During the week I keep busy with the ministry and housework, but the weekends are another story. Weekends are family time in our home.
My husband and I are in a season of life where our kids are grown and have their own lives, so we cherish time together. In this season we’re better able to focus on one another—something that was difficult to do when our kids were young. Therefore, when Gerry travels over the weekend now, I get very lonely.
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” (Psalm 42:5)
When my husband’s company planned yet another weekend trip, I asked God to help me get through it. As the time drew near, I could feel myself slipping into depression. Depression can cause a person to withdraw from others. Unfortunately, isolation only feeds depression. Realizing this fact, I knew it was in my best interest to stay busy and surround myself with friends and family.
As Friday approached, I called a dear friend of mine and asked if she would like go to dinner and a movie. She accepted the invitation, and we were able to catch up with one another’s lives and see a great ‘chick flick’ at the same time. I was partway through the weekend, and I had avoided slipping into a pit of despair.
Saturday I cleaned the house and tackled some laundry before heading out to a wedding celebration with my daughter and son-in-law. I arrived back home around 10:30 pm and went to bed. I had managed to keep busy all day.
On Sunday my son attended church with his girlfriend. Since I didn’t want to go to my church alone, my best friend invited me to attend church with her and her family. I was nearly through the weekend now—almost there.
Upon coming home from church, I went to the office and spent some time writing. Later that evening I attended a cookout at the invitation of one of my friends. Arriving home, I was tired and went to bed. Whew, I made it!
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
God helped me get through the weekend without falling into depression. He made sure I was with others and blessed me in so many ways. The Lord is always ready and willing to come to our aid—all we need to do is ask.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37)