An Incredible Visit with My Nephew

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My younger nephew came January 2 to spend a few days with us, and I put him on the train home this afternoon. I haven't had such intense conversations far into the night since my college dorm days at UCLA. J played chess with my husband, let me tell old family stories to help him learn more about our family, and looked at a lot of photos. In turn, he opened up and shared enough from his own life to allow us to get to know him much better. I hope this will be the first of many visits, but this one came close to not happening. I have been very sick since the week after Christmas, as has my husband, who is still recovering not only from his accident in Dec. but also from an infection related to his prostate on top of the virus we've both had. The week after Christmas took him to different doctors every day the week after Christmas except Friday. Some days I was well enough to take him and other days a friend had to. Even Tuesday morning I was as weak as a kitten and didn't see how I could possibly be in shape to pick up J at the train station that afternoon. We had an unexpected visit from the plumber we'd been expecting for about three weeks. Then my friend came to clean. We had about an hour to rest after she left before I was supposed to drive to the station. I had been exhausted, but God gave me strength and I was able to do what I needed to do. Now the visit is over. I believe J is very vulnerable. I think that although he smiles and jokes a lot and is physically grown up and strong, this body language is deceptive. After intensive periods of conversation, I believe he's crying on the inside and searching for a good reason to live. I pray God will reveal himself to J and help him find the joy and peace that can only come from God himself. His family life was tough as a little boy, and though it's been much better in the past few years, it's left a lot of emotional scars that need healing. I'm very burdened for him, wanting to help and just needing to leave him in God's hands right now. My heart hurts for him. I so very much want for him to find the hope and peace he seeks.