In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. ~1 Timothy 6:19
My grandmother, whom I called Nana, had a unique way of always looking on the bright side of things, no matter what the circumstances. She had a favorite saying when it appeared as though everything was going downhill fast: "Just then, the bed broke." In other words, life happens in ways we least expect, and we have no other choice but to go along for the ride.
One time, when we were visiting her and my Grandpa, Nana had all of the grandchildren piled on one of the beds, giggling, bouncing, and creating genial chaos when, lo and behold, the bed actually broke! We kids were momentarily shocked and dismayed at what our rambunctiousness had seemingly caused, until Nana, with her ready smile, declared, "Just the the bed broke!" Oh, how we screeched with laughter and relief! No one was going to get in trouble that day.
I wish I'd inherited more of my Nana's indominable spirit. The other night around 3:00 in the morning, our bed frame gave way out of the blue. Can you see it listing in the photo above? The slope it created made it impossible to sleep there. Danny takes the small double bed in our guest room.
I take the living room couch, where I'm used to taking my naps.
We weather the night fine, but when morning dawns, we are left with an unexpected dilemma - how are we going to remove the damaged frame to allow the bed and box spring to rest on the floor itself. Because of his recent surgery, Danny is prohibited from moving or lifting anything heavy with his right arm. Our thoughts turn to Nicco for help, but we quickly realize this is too big of a job for him to do successfully on his own. The bed is just too cumbersome for any one person to maneuver.
Danny wonders if some new friends from church might be able to help. They've been checking in on us since the recent incident, and as soon as we contact them, dad, Matt, and son, Joe assure us they'd be glad to help out.
Such a welcome turn of events! In no time, it seems, the three guys dismantle the frame, move it to another room that can easily store it, and put our bed to rights for the time being. Once again, we have a firm foundation upon which to thankfully enjoy a rejuvenating night's sleep.
Our bodies certainly need a firm foundation, but so do our souls. Are you depending upon Jesus for that flawless foundation He has prepared for all of us? It is there where we can grab hold to the life that is truly life, and rest peacefully in His arms. No bed can break there!
Amen!
Why is it that often many things go wrong in succession? Thankfully you managed to find someone to help.
ReplyDeletePraying that Danny is getting better. God bless you and yours, Martha.
Yes, that happens more often than not, Victor. Danny is doing much better; he has his follow-up check with his specialist today so we should know more going forward.
DeleteLove and blessings!
When Matt and Joe fixed your bed, they were doing church. Just then, the church worked!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed, Glynn! The church at work is a marvelous thing to behold, isn't it?
DeleteLove and blessings!
I am delighted you found such good helpers! Your grandmother sounds like a wonderful lady. Our foundation is certainly important for a restful life!
ReplyDeleteOur firm foundation in the Lord is crucial and critical to leading peaceful lives, Mrs. White, that's for sure. And yes, we're so grateful for the help Matt and Joe gave us - it made all the difference.
DeleteLove and blessings!
"How Firm A Foundation" came to my mind as I prepared to type this. We learn that we need a strong foundation when we face serious issues that we can't handle by ourselves. Peace and blessings to you and yours.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly do need a firm foundation in face of all this spiteful world would throw at us, Cecelia. I'm glad that you and I share that in Jesus.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I love your grandma's saying and attitude. and what a delightful lesson you shared from ordinary everyday life. Sleep well, my friend
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jean. Yes, my Nana was one of a kind. I've never met anyone quite like her; my niece comes the closest with her ever positive attitude.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I think the Gremlin ate my earlier comment!
ReplyDeleteNana's joyful spirit is something I wish everyone could experience ... even emulate. (Pointing at myself in the mirror here.)
God bless Matt and Joe!
Yes, may God continue to bless Matt, Joe and their entire family, Myra! We will always be grateful for the kindness and help they showed to us.
DeleteNana's spirit was infectious, too. She certainly made all of her grandchildren feel special and loved.
Love and blesings!
I had a friend who was a firm believer that if you spoke it enough it would happen. Perhaps Nana spoke it once to often- LOL. Now this was a literally being jarred out of bed 🤣. Thankful for Brothers in Christ coming to the rescue.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
I'm so thankful they could help, too! I've heard of that superstition as well. And maybe Nana did speak it one time too often.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I'm so happy you have such precious memories from your grandma, Martha. Also that friends stepped in to help. And what a special spiritual lesson! Love and blessings of strength and health to both of you!
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful for those memories, too, Trudy. They are all the more vivid because we only got to visit with them once a year, we being in Georgia and they living in Massachusetts. And we can't begin to thank our new friends enough for their hands-on help. We feel very blessed.
DeleteLove and blessings!
This brought to mind the thought the bed may break but the mattress is intact so life can go on and we can work on fixing what is broken. With the bedframe being our bodies that hold our soul or our essence being the mattress as long as that is held together we can go on and we can repair what's broken. If any of that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteIt makes perfect sense, Jo-Anne. With God's help, we can repair any defect in our situation because we have His hope and promise on our side. Our intact mattress is working as expected for the moment. When the frame arrives, we will be back up and running.
DeleteLove and blessings!
I pray God's blessing on that father and son who were God's hands (and strong shoulders!) to help in your time of need, Martha. I too say, Sleep well, my friend, in the loving care of your Heavenly Father.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Nancy! And we cannot thank Matt and Joe for all their help and emotional support at this time. Even on the first day I visited our Shiloh church, I literally felt the Holy Spirit present in that congregation. Wow! They deserve every blessing there is to give.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Friends who come when needed are priceless and aren't we blessed to have them in our lives! A good night's sleep is helpful in the healing process for patient and caregiver!! God is so good, all the time!! xo
ReplyDeleteThose friends are priceless, indeed, Terri! I love what Glynn said above about their help being a perfect example of the church at work. Jesus told us to love our neighbors, and it's humbling and gratifying to find ourselves on the receiving end of such love and generosity.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Wow! That was certainly an eye-opener and a rude awakening! So glad that big beautiful and I'm sure heavy, head board didn't fall down on top of you! I love that headboard and have often wished I had one similar to that! Now I might be thinking second thoughts...that could be a "crushing blow!" So thankful it didn't do that! And I am also so thankful you had good people to call upon in your church who could help you! That was really special indeed! I hope you will be able to get a new bed frame soon and get everything back in order, but in the meantime, please sleep peacefully and know that God is certainly watching over you. And I love the story about your Nana and the bed breaking! That was really something!!! I can just hear the laughter now!! Precious memories! Take care and get some rest!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, most sincerely, for your kind comments here, Pamela! Yes, I'm glad, too, that the headboard didn't end up on top of us. The last thing we would have needed is another hospital visit!
DeleteGod has been so merciful and loving, especially in these times of need for us, and we couldn't be more grateful. Matt and Joe embody the essence of our church; I'm so glad the Lord lead me to this amazing place of worship!
Love and blessings!
Sorry for being late to the party, Martha--enjoyed reading it earlier, but not in a situation where I could respond. Having broken a bed slat or two in my life, I loved the picture--both the verbal one and the photographic ones. And the application was spot on, as usual. Everything we build or do depends on the foundation it's established on, whether it's a family, a business, a house, or an eternal future. Thank you once again for an inspiring visit, and the encouragement that you included in the story of how God provided what you needed given Danny's limitations. Diane and I continue to pray for your guy's continued recovery and for God's blessing on your ministry.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Ron, for your kind and thoughtful words here. We were so blessed that neither of us was hurt, and that we had the generous help of church friends to put things to right. Our lives truly have been on a roller coaster as of late, and we appreciate any and all encouragement from friends and loved ones.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Beautiful blog
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rajani.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Sounds like your Nana had a wonderful outlook on life.
ReplyDeleteIt's heartwarming to hear how your friends came together to help you and Danny when you faced a challenge with the bed frame.
Beautiful post, Martha!
Hugs and blessings
Yes, Veronica, my Nana was one of a kind, and such an inspiration to all she met. We are grateful beyond words for all the assistance we got from our church friends, too. They truly came to the rescue!
DeleteLove and blessings!
With that happening at 3:00 in the morning you must have thought an earthquake had hit your neck of the woods. Least you had an alternative. :) So glad for friends, old and new.
ReplyDeleteMiraculously, Bill, I didn't feel a thing as I was on the "high" side of the bed. Not so for Danny! We are now back to "normal" as our new frame arrived yesterday and got assembled in record time. Yes, so very thankful for friends, old and new!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I had to laugh, remembering the time our bed broke. My new wife and I laughed hysterically. I pulled the mattress off the spring and onto the floor. We slept there that night. Every now and again, I'd hear a chuckle from her, in her sleep. Wonderful memories. Isn't sharing life together with your best friend amazing? And wait until we get to do so with Jesus every day. I'm so ready. Glad no one was hurt, and still praying for my pal Mr. Danny.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you shared your personal story of the broken bed with us here today, J. D. Nice to know we're not alone in having such a thing happen!
DeleteI'm happy neither one of us was hurt, either, as it had already been a trying week. Yes, keep up the prayers for Danny; he is truly struggling with PTSD.
Love and blessings!
Martha, this was such a joy to read. I love your grandmother's spirit and saying. And how fun when the bed actually broke with all you kids on it. Thankful for your church and how they cared for you and Danny by this act of service and kindness. Continued prayers for Danny's full recovery. God bless! Karen Friday
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed reading this post today, Karen. Yes, when it actually happened, we all got a big kick out of it!
DeleteThe continued prayers are so appreciated, too. Right now, because of the medications he's on, Danny can't drive, so that certainly makes day-to-day life more challenging.
Love and blessings!
Hi Martha Jane, so true that our souls need to depend on Jesus. What safer place could we be in. God bless you for sharing this interesting story.
ReplyDelete.
Thanks so much, Brenda. With Jesus, we couldn't be in a better place, for sure!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I liked your phrase" Our bodies certainly need a firm foundation, but so do our souls."
ReplyDeleteThank you, Snobe, for your kind words here. I'm glad you liked that phrase!
DeleteLove and blessings!
I like your grandma's attitude to life. As for your church friends that came to your help with the bed,, we are never to forget that " a friend in need is a friend indeed".
ReplyDeleteIt is the unexpected things that happen that really can try to steal our joy! You and Danny made the best of a difficult situation, and so thankful that friends from church were able to assist and help you in this unexpected dilemma! Prayers that you can find a new bedframe, and that all will be righted in your world very soon! Blessings and hugs to you dear friend!
ReplyDeleteMy replies to normal comments is not allowing me to engage. Duta, I'm so glad you liked my grandmother's attitude about life. She actually went through many losses and trials in her life, yet always maintained that positive attitude. What an amazing woman!
ReplyDeleteFriends in need are definitely friends, indeed.
Love and blessings!
Thank you so much, Marilyn! Unexpected events certainly do try to steal our joy, but we just can't let them. I'm thankful for these true workers for Christ who came to our rescue. We now have a new bedframe, and we are so grateful.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
What a delightful story about your Nana and her unique perspective on life's unexpected events! It's amazing how she turned what could have been a moment of frustration into one of laughter and relief with her positive outlook. The memory of your Nana's words and the shared laughter must be cherished.
ReplyDeleteRead me new post.
I very much cherish that memory, Melody, and I loved being able to share it here, due to the experience that sparked it. Nana was, indeed, one of a kind!
DeleteLove and blessings!
💘 Happy Valentine’s Day, Martha & Danny!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda! May your Valentine's be a special one for you and Tim.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your Nana sounds like a treasure, Martha. Thanks for the great example.
ReplyDeleteShe certainly was, Diana. I miss her to this day.
DeleteLove and blessings!
OK, that was a good blogpost to read. There was a blessing in for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to know this post blessed you, Aritha.
DeleteLove and blessings!
We have had the unfortunate experience of the slats under the bed springs. That was a rude awakening. We both laughed at the misfortune and I made slats and replaced them. Good story and good lesson to remember.
ReplyDeleteHugs and Blessings
Thanks for sharing your own experience here, Jim. Truly, all you can do in the end, is laugh about it. We now have a new bed frame, made of steel, so I feel a lot safer.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, praise God for help from church friends and everything turning out to be okay! A good foundation is everything ;) although I could sleep on your couch which looks very comfortable!
ReplyDeleteThe couch is very comfortable, Marja, and I enjoy taking my naps there. Yes, we are so thankful for Matt and Joe for coming to our rescue - such caring and generous folks!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Fico muito feliz de vc ler no meu espaço/blog. Muito obrigada de verdade. Queria que seu blog tivesse o tradutor em cima da publicação. Parecido com a maioria. Pq quando é assim, a gente clica e logo ve todo seu blog no idioma da gente. Pensa nosso Martha? Bju
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize that, Ro. I'll see what I can do. I'm glad you're keeping up with me anyway, that's for sure.
DeleteLove and blessings!
What a joy for you to have such wonderful church friends. I am so grateful they came to help you out. But the story of your Nana had me chuckling. When I sold Princess House which back in the 80's and 90's were lots of beautiful hand blown glassware and other pretties for the home. My oldest son and his friend Chris, both dad's today, bounced a tennis ball into a handblown bowl. When it shattered the first thing out of my mouth was, did anyone get cut by flying glass? Things can be replaced, broken children can not.
ReplyDeleteThat's a marvelous story you've told here, Anne, and so true. Things can be replaced, but people can't. Just the thought of a child getting cut by sharp glass makes me shudder!
DeleteGlad you got a laugh out of my Nana's saying - she would have loved that!
Love and blessings!
Bom dia, Martha
ReplyDeleteGraças a Deus vocês encontraram pessoas para ajudar no conserto da cama, desejo uma boa recuperação para o seu esposo, um forte abraço.
Thanks so much, Lucinalva! Yes, Matt and Joe were angels that day.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Absolutely amen, Martha. He is our all and all, everything we need. Thank You, Jesus.
ReplyDeleteAmen back at you, Linda!
DeleteLove and blessings!