It has pulled out strengths in us that we did not realize we have. We are stronger as a couple because there is no challenge we cannot face Together.
Most importantly, this awful disease has humbled me and brought me closer to the Lord than I have ever been. I relearned how to Pray. The very act was once rote. Now it is in earnest.
Our acts of service were once simple and not heartfelt.... (taking care of perceived obligations). We are now blessed with deeper empathy for our fellow man. We do not ask for pity. We do not cry out about the unfairness. We see that our Father in Heaven truly loves us.
We are able to thank the Lord for opening our hearts. It is not easy, but neither are so many afflictions placed upon each of us.
Count your blessings...... even the ones that appear on the surface as curses. Each stumbling block teaches us to dig deeper.
(original writing... and preferred by me) In stanza 1, the original says "strivings" instead of "sweetness".1
More holiness give me,
More sweetness within,
More patience in suff’ring,
More sorrow for sin,
More faith in my Savior,
More sense of His care,
More joy in His service,
More freedom in prayer.
Come, my Savior, and help me,
Comfort, strengthen and keep me;
Thou each moment wilt save me,
Thou art saving me now.
2
More gratitude give me,
More trust in the Lord,
More zeal for His glory,
More hope in His Word,
More tears for His sorrows,
More pain at His grief,
More meekness in trial,
More praise for relief.
3
More victory give me,
More strength to o’ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More quest for the throne,
More fit for the kingdom,
More useful I’d be,
More blessed and holy,
More, Savior, like Thee.
In stanza 3, the original says "purity" instead of victory and "longings for home" instead of "quest for the throne".