"Ha! That sounds like something I would like to do," I laughed.
Then I sobered... That really does sound like something I would like to do. I don't know that woman's circumstances, but I can imagine. I know my own circumstances, and I know how much I've wanted to run away and not be found.
When the stress of daily living piles up and you really don't see a way out...
When you are not sure you can bear one more minute of watching your child suffer...
When a full night's sleep has escaped you for days, months, years...
These are not stressors that only special needs parents feel; yet, I just read an article that explained that the amount of stress a special needs parent is under can be compared to a combat soldier. The article went on to describe meditations and breathing exercises that can help us parents.
Yes, there are various things we can do to try to relieve the stress - exercise, meditation, nights out... But I have tried all these things. I currently DO all these things.
So what is one to do when the stress is so high at a constant level that the only thing you feel like you can DO is run away and not be found, like the mom in the article? I really don't know. I am at a particularly intense stress level right now, and I just need to admit that none of those "doing" things are working or will work.
The only assurance I have when things seem unreliable and scary is turn to the promises of our faithful God.
The only foundation I have under so much instability is to turn to the truth of God.
The only comfort thing I can turn to in my pain and hurt is the eternal love of God.
