Just finished a 3-page reflection on the case of Mr and Mrs Chia. they're really very encouraging:) I don't think they're extraordinarily resilient, or super strong. They're ordinary people, with an extraordinary God and extraordinary thoughts. imagine yourself as a guy getting multiple sclerosis and having to rely on your wife for your movements and activities of daily living (e.g. bathing and even clearing your bowels). And imagine yourself as a wife having to quit your job, take care of your husband, take care of 3 children (ages, 4, 6 and 8). It's quite a recipe for great caretaker fatigue and great disgruntlement towards God.
but they didn't. which i found was quite amazing. they grieved for a short while, accepted that God has allowed this to happen and he must have a reason for it, and moved on to the practical aspects of adapting their lives to the disease. It's not to say that they completely don't have thoughts about it, they do. but they don't let these thoughts manifest into bitterness.
and it's amazing to see how God provides for them as well.
not to say they're the perfect example, or they had perfect responses.. they don't. haha. but it's so refreshing to see this case. i was expecting a lot of pouring out on the fatigue, anger, guilt that she faced, disappointment with God, disappointment with self.. and i saw none of that. i saw a tired face with a joyful disposition and an accepting heart.
it really refreshed my soul.