Everyone has a story to tell. What you see on the outside may not come close to what is happening on the inside. Consider these examples…
You are in line checking out at the grocery store. The clerk is rude to you. All you are trying to do is get some groceries for the week, you did not come in to get attitude. Instead of throwing attitude right back, or speaking to the manager, have you thought about what may have happened to the clerk before they started their shift?
There is a woman you know who is always “put together.” She is dressed nicely with every hair in place, nails manicured and her shoes always match her purse. Her children are well dressed, behave well, and she drives a nice car. What you don’t know is that she is a struggling single mother who lives paycheck to paycheck. She constantly worries about money and only sleeps about four hours each night. Have you ever considered talking to her when she sits in front of you at church or do you assume all is well in her world?
We all struggle. But how we struggle can make a difference to not only ourselves but those closest to us.
I have written about my struggles pretty openly in the past several years. Mostly my struggles have centered on my youngest son’s chronic illness. For almost a year his illness has been in the best place it has been in years. He is doing fantastic! During those previous years of struggle in trying to find the best treatment for him, spending night after night in the hospital or up at all hours at home with him in pain, I have had time to realize something…I have a chronic illness.
I was diagnosed with clinical depression 20 years ago and I have a great handle on my treatment, and I never dreamed I would have something else to contend with…chronic pain.
My neck has three bulging discs that are very painful and for the past year I have been trying to find the best treatment. Pain medications, massage, chiropractic care, muscle relaxers and cortisone injections have all contributed to feeling better, but never for long. I’ve had to admit that I struggle with chronic pain and it may never go away.
There are times I want to bang my head against a wall hoping that I can focus on another area of my body that is in pain. And there are times I hurt so bad in my neck and back that I am numb. Today was a bad day. The best part was that I slept for three hours this afternoon.
Sometimes I run out of hope and think that this will never get better. The truth is that it may not and I have to rely on the one thing that has kept me sane throughout my lifetime…my relationship with God.
I don’t have time to ask, “Why me?” I only have time to ask, “Help me, Father. I’ve been through worse with my son. I can handle this if you help me.”
He always does. I just need to hold on.
Today I Am Thankful For:
- Long Sunday naps
- Texts from friends
- A fantastic breeze
- A great Sunday sermon
- Time to rest
