Shasta Daisy

Rejoice in the Lord and be glad…

Psalm 32:11

My middle daughter went for a doctor’s appointment yesterday, and was advised to have a new vaccination that is appropriate for women her age.  It was free, so she had the shot.  Within the hour, she was beginning to have trouble swallowing, and then shortness of breath.  She went to the nearest clinic, where they gave her shots of epinephrine and Benedryl, as well as some prednisone tablets.  The symptoms abated and we breathed a sigh of relief.  Six hours later, her symptoms appeared to be returning, and we ended up last night in the emergency room.  A much stronger steroid shot took care of the symptoms, and she finally was able to go home and get some rest.

While I was sitting in the waiting room, I observed a constant influx of people who were not feeling well.  Not a single person came through the door with a smile on their face.  Pain, misery and agony were all around me.  It reminded me of another emergency room, likewise filled with patients in various degrees of suffering.  Suddenly a visitor walked into the room carrying a bouquet of daisies.  Without exception, every head swiveled to follow the path of those gorgeous flowers.  It was like a ray of sunshine that slowly waltzed through the room.  For just a fleeting moment, misery was lifted in the presence of those white and yellow drops of joy.

I do not know what you are facing this weekend – a relaxed family time, days of being alone, or a time of discomfort and pain.  Whatever your outlook, the Lord longs to draw near and gladden your heart.  May the joy of His presence be yours today.