Life Lessons

-
The last few months have been rough in some ways. I've been so tempted to feel sorry for myself, to wallow in the frustration of doctors visit after doctors visit, (almost) none of them planned.

After three ear infections in several months, I finally went to the doctor this spring, only to be referred to an ENT specialist, who then sent me to get CT scan. I found out I have a benign tumor in my ear requiring surgery. But until I have the surgery, I'm partially deaf.

It has been so humbling to have the Lord take away the things I take for granted, like my hearing, and to be reminded that my health is a blessing, as I've now had two visits to an urgent care in less than four weeks, and had blood work, labs, and two rounds of antibiotics.

I don't tell this because I want to, or to make you feel sorry for me. In all honesty I almost deleted this post. I tell you because all of these trials started to make sense a few days ago. Because if I'm honest, I haven't been investing as much time reading scripture and praying as I should, and everything that I've gone through has finally started to bring my focus back where it should be: on the Lord.

During my lunch break the other day I decided, on a whim, to read James, and almost laughed as I read the following:

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:2-4
I shouldn't be surprised that the Lord has been subtly and not-so-subtly reminding me that these things in my life have a purpose, that instead of retreating into anger or depression and letting the storm pass over, I need to face it and be thankful, and learn and grow.

I also write this because I so often forget that I am not the only one going through something difficult. Maybe, in this small way, I can encourage you, whatever it is you are going through.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

On Silence

-
Image
After an impromptu trip to Seward yesterday with family, I decided to take a break from this gorgeous weather long enough to do a quick post. I haven't been sure what to write lately, there are always a few ideas floating around in my brain but nothing that seems good enough to tease out and write a full post about. I sat here looking at a blank screen, writing and re-writing paragraphs. I haven't been doing a good job lately of having quiet time to process, which is part of the reason I have not written lately. Nothing seemed to come out quite right today, so I decided to switch things up a bit and write some poetry instead. When the Lord seems silent, I am far from him When He tells me--'wait', I still ask--'why?' and question Him He is patient When I am not, Abounding in grace He never leaves me Or forsakes me When I stray, He is a rock amidst storms, My comfort, a place of peace
Read more

Finding Humor in Everyday Mishaps

-
Image
I love finding beauty in simple things during my walks For the sake of everyone's safety, I'm staying off the streets today. Ok, not really, but I did manage to drop a Tupperware of sweet potato casserole on the floor, somehow, it landed right-side-up, but it splashed a trajectory of mashed sweet potatoes in a five-foot path. I also tried to work on my story today, but my attention span is about five minutes long at the moment, which is why I'm blogging instead. Like many hobbies, its something to work on. A few years ago I used to sit down for eight hours at a time to write, so I know I can do it, I just have to work up to it. Kind of like running. I used to hate it, but this past month, I started again at the encouragement of my brother-in-law, who, while he likes to give me a hard time, really does have my best interest in mind. My goal was the Coast Guard fitness test standards, which he was working on as well. For me, it meant a 1.5 mile run in 15:36, 12 pu...
Read more

12.26.17 - Reflections

-
Image
Christmas always comes more quickly than I expect it to. This year was no different. And like (almost) every other Christmas in Alaska in the past five years, I ushered it in with a cold. I guess next year I need to go sunbathe on a warm, sunny beach. As I look back at the past year, and what God has done in my life, I would like to think there has been some growth. I've been stretched beyond where I am comfortable, felt pummeled as I've had health problems for the past six months, and wondered why He would take away good things in my life. But God is showing me so many ways that I can trust Him more and lean upon Him and not my own understanding. I have surgery scheduled for February. It's not anything life-threatening, and I can be thankful for that, but of all the infinite possibilities for 2018, that was certainly not something I expected.  But that is life.  The Lord has a way of throwing things at you that you didn't see coming. And they aren'...
Read more