The questions kept coming as Micah and Gracie were eager to know more about their Papa’s neurological disease. It’s a tough one. He has lost all mobility and is wheelchair (or scooter) bound. His speech is somewhat affected and he experiences intense fatigue every day. Life as we have known it has changed. As my daughter sought to answer their questions her daughter, Gracie, was thoughtful. Then, with her eyes widened and hands gestured outward Gracie triumphantly proclaimed, “Well—at least it’s not LICE!” 
I love children. I need them in my life. Their points of reference are limited to their few years of experiences. Their perspectives are innocent, simple, and pure. You never know what crazy wisdom might come from their mouths.
For Gracie, her perspective was likely shaped from a family vacation at a lake, fondly known as “the one with lice.” The entire week was spent searching heads for nits (aka nitpicking), lathering with special expensive shampoos, and laundering loads of linens and clothes for 16 people—several times a day. 
We can laugh about this time now (2 years later), but it obviously had a profound impact on Gracie (whose head, fortunately, never housed a nit to be picked). 
Currently, when Wyndham and I feel the very real and difficult realities of this current challenge, we often look at each other and say…”Well, at least it’s not lice!” (I believe a sense of humor is not only helpful, but necessary.)
How do you view your current circumstances? Do you see them through a spiritual, Christ-like perspective…or from a self-focused, world-focused, and hopeless point of view?
It is impossible for me, as a human, to understand the workings of God (Isaiah 55:8-9). My life doesn’t always follow the script I would write. I do know that I can completely trust his love and rely on his power (Psalm 62:11-12). I am keenly aware that my joy level springs from my ability to choose an eternal perspective. I am trying hard to hold to God’s view as I enter this new year…praying not to be fearful or discouraged. Praying to view life through Jesus’ eyes.
This past week Micah spoke with us about some of the questions he mused, and of a talk he recently had with his dad. His dad had explained to him that life on this earth can be hard, but we live for a home with God that lasts forever. That changes things. God has a bigger view than we do. Micah then shared that the Bible is what makes this clear to him. He told us that he will remember that talk with his dad for the rest of his life. Smart kid, right?
After the apostle Paul endured many great hardships he wrote from his “God-perspective:”
13 It is written: “I believed; therefore I have spoken.” With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak,
14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence.
15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:13-18)
This is my goal for 2017. To fix my eyes on Jesus…to see what is unseen and eternal.
I’m not gonna lie….it’s hard sometimes. But it is true and right, so I’ll hold on to that.
And after all…
“At least it’s not lice!”
Jeanie & Wyndham, I know we aren’t in control of so many things in life, especially how our bodies change & age. Thank you for sharing your journey with the unknown challenges & for clinging onto the many promises of God as you do so. I honor you & pray for you as you go through this stage in life. Your unity, faith & perspective – no matter how hard fought to maintain, are inspiring. Love you both, Kathryn Dillon
Thank you so much, Kathryn. Your words and prayers mean so much. Love you. Jeanie
Thank you so much for taking the time to meditate and share with all of us your struggles and your focus for this year. I have never met you (not yet:)) but I admire your faith and perseverance. Your good fight is an inspiration for young couples like my husband and I.
Thank you.
This post is refreshing. Sharing on my Fb page.
Thanks so much, Edith
This is wonderful, and something I can relate with. My husband undergoes kidney dialysis 3 times a week and occasionally gets debilitated due to neuropathy attacks, but now I’ll share this with him so we can always exclaim, “At least it’s not lice!” 😀 Thank you!
Thanks for the encouragement. So sorry to hear of the challenges you are facing with your husband. Yes, I find faith and humor quite necessary. And you are so right…at least it’s not lice.
Oh, don’t feel sorry. If you’ll read my back story, you’ll see how God is at work in and through these challenges! He IS good!
Reblogged this on t a s t e & s e e ! and commented:
What a wonderful perspective. I would like to thank Jeanie Shaw for this. A must-read for anyone going through challenging times!
Jeanie, thank you for your courage and love in sharing your journey. God is using you as His ambassador of faith and I know God is walking with you and Wyndham every moment. I love, appreciate and respect you both.
Thanks for the encouragement, Jennifer. He is definitely walking with us. Couldn’t survive otherwise. Love and appreciate you both as well.
Kids are so special. They’re unique perspectives and off-the-wall comments almost always remind me of God’s grace. Thank you for sharing your story. I will keep your family in my prayers.
Thank you so much Lauren, especially for the prayers. And yes, we need children in our lives. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lauren. Especially for the prayers. You are so right about kids. We need them in our lives.
I suspect I will be saying, “At least it’s not lice” to myself at least once a day from here on out! I love this perspective (and you KNOW the intensity of my fear of lice 🙂 ). Thank you for continuing to grow and trust God through this difficult season in your life, and for the glimpses you share with us into your journey. You are helping us all through our own difficulties by your example. You and Wyndham are often in my prayers. -xoxo
Thanks, Elizabeth. Love you!
Thank you for your vulnerability as you include us in the the lessons God is teaching you. Prayers are with you and your family through this trial. Much love, Megan
Thanks so much, Megan. Love you.
I’m a sister from Virginia that gets forwarded your “Monday Encouragement” e-mails- and what an encouragement they have been!!! Thank you for sharing so boldly, vulnerably and with faithful perseverance at the forefront! I love reading about your story; it is an important one to share! Sending you love, prayers and warm wishes!! xx
Thank you, Lauren. That means a lot.
Having had lice years ago with three adults and five children to treat I have to heartily agree with the perspective your wise young person offered! Thank-you for sharing your journey in the midst of hardship. May Jesus continue to strengthen and encourage you and your husband as you look to Him for all that you need. I’m currently battling cancer and I can identify with all that you shared here. God bless you…
Thanks so much. Yes, lice is quite the adventure! So sorry for all you are going through. Certainly God’s comfort is like none other. I wish you the very best.
Focusing on the internal… It’s all we can do. You are right – the path we walk through each of our lives is so bumpy and crooked and dark at times. And yet, our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us a very great reward. For this I am grateful. Thank you for this reminder. Amen.
The eternal, not the internal!