Support is one of the ‘buzz’ words that we hear a lot, especially from our government.We
just had our Scottish elections last week so we have been bombarded with the policies,
purposes and pursuits of our politicians, who are full of rhetoric on how they are going
to make a difference and be a support to the elderly, the infirm, the unemployed, the
children, the vulnerable and to anyone and everyone that they are looking to influence for
their party. Whether or not they produce the goods remains to be seen but we all want to
believe the best of everyone. Lets give them six months and see if it was all talk!
On a personal level, I find myself supporting my husband through what is a difficult time
for him. Four weeks ago, while out cycling with our son, he had a sudden heart attack.
Thankfully, he was taken to hospital where he had emergency surgery, and got a second
chance at life. I will not go into an ‘organ recital’ about his heart, but sufficient to say that
he is in recovery and has to work within definite boundaries, which I have to at times
enforce. Not easy for me but I am determined to help him achieve his goals and get his
energy levels up again. A supporter is someone who undergirds with strength and holds
up another. I think this is a good definition of what a wife should be. Women have lost so
much when they wanted to be equal to men, not understanding that they were already
equal in God’s eyes. We are unique, and that is what we should strive for. We have the
ability to influence and to build up not only our husbands and children, but everyone we
connect with.
The hardest thing someone works through after a serious incident like a heart attack, is
depression. They can’t do what they used to do physically and they tire easily and this is
a challenge, especially to my husband who has a high work ethic and is energetic and
a ‘make it happen’ type of person. Thankfully, he is upbeat and sees himself fully restored
and able to get back his energy levels. I am in agreement with him on this, but it will be
my responsibility to see that he doesn’t push himself too much, too soon! And, when he is
well, to see that he paces himself and doesn’t overdo it. This is what it means to support
someone. You have to help them, encourage them and assist them in fulfilling their goals
and dreams. What an adventure we are on!!
We have to be able to speak the truth to one another without breaking the spirit or the will
of another. When you really walk in love, you can do this and delight in being there for
them. The truth spoken with compassion is awesome.
Don’t be like the woman who accompanied her very sick husband to the doctor’s office.
After the examination, the doctor asked the man to go out of the room so he could have a
word with the woman.
“Your husband’s condition is grave. If you don’t do the following, he will surely die.”
* Fix him a healthy breakfast every morning and send him off to work in a good mood.
* When he comes home, let him put his feet up and rest, making sure not to burden him
with any worries or household chores.
* Prepare him a warm, nutritious meal for dinner every night.
* Have sex with him several times a week and satisfy his every whim.
On the way home, the wife drove in silence. The husband finally asked, ‘Well, what did the
doctor say?’
“It’s bad news,” she replied. “He says you’re going to die.”
I have to attend the hospital with my husband to see the consultant, but we are confident
that whatever the report may be, with my support, we can overcome any circumstance and
work together in faith for a good outcome. Life is so daily, and we have to learn that we
are not alone, there is always a supporter in our corner, and we can be that supporter to
anyone who needs support.
Nan
