I've written quite a bit over the last two years about the unexpected visit we had in 2008 from Fred. Fred slipped in unannounced and stayed longer than any of us would have liked, but eventually he picked up and moved on. Hopefully we'll never see him again, but if he does decide to show his ugly self, we'll just have to deal with him.
In case you're wondering who the heck Fred is no, it's not an annoying relative or nosy neighbor. It's the name I gave my depression. Strange I know, but it fits. I came to the realization that oftentimes the fear of something is worse than recognizing and facing the fear head on...hence the naming of the "monster" called depression.
The strange thing about Fred's visit was not even dealing with him while he hung around, but cleaning up after he left. He was certainly NOT a tidy house guest! He left piles of things lying around, dust in the corners and a host of creepy things under the bed. Over the last couple of years I've tackled bits and pieces of these things, cleaning them up a bit at time. It's getting there, but I often wonder if all of him will ever be gone. Maybe, maybe not.
One thing I do know for sure is that the LORD gives me the strength and the grace to keep picking up the pieces; to continue the clean-up process one day at a time. Now that I think about it, I WON'T ever get it all done until I see my SAVIOR face to face. What a glorious day that will be! Freedom from the things that hold us back - free from cancer and depression, free from exhaustion and disappointment, free from our failures and shortcomings.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Praise GOD for such an amazing promise!
So in case Fred tries to move in again, I'm armed and ready to kick his butt!
In case you're wondering who the heck Fred is no, it's not an annoying relative or nosy neighbor. It's the name I gave my depression. Strange I know, but it fits. I came to the realization that oftentimes the fear of something is worse than recognizing and facing the fear head on...hence the naming of the "monster" called depression.
The strange thing about Fred's visit was not even dealing with him while he hung around, but cleaning up after he left. He was certainly NOT a tidy house guest! He left piles of things lying around, dust in the corners and a host of creepy things under the bed. Over the last couple of years I've tackled bits and pieces of these things, cleaning them up a bit at time. It's getting there, but I often wonder if all of him will ever be gone. Maybe, maybe not.
One thing I do know for sure is that the LORD gives me the strength and the grace to keep picking up the pieces; to continue the clean-up process one day at a time. Now that I think about it, I WON'T ever get it all done until I see my SAVIOR face to face. What a glorious day that will be! Freedom from the things that hold us back - free from cancer and depression, free from exhaustion and disappointment, free from our failures and shortcomings.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Praise GOD for such an amazing promise!
So in case Fred tries to move in again, I'm armed and ready to kick his butt!
Love it! I had no idea it had a name. Hormones mixed with life, flesh, family and homeschooling can bring about such interesting trials. I'm so glad that the Lord of all creation loves you through it all.
ReplyDeleteI am reading backwards through your blog and now answering previous questions from newer posts...leave it to me to confuse even the simplest of things.
ReplyDeleteI am well acquainted with depression, both my own and more seriously, my mother's. Sometimes the mess never gets cleaned up. Sad.
I am so grateful for Christ's healing mercy and love. He knows our deepest places and loves us anyway. Amazing. Lisa~