Seasons…Chapters… to some people those two words mean the same thing~life changes. My own journey continues and stagnates and continues again, like most. This is in all categories ~ spiritual, physical, emotional, you understand.

Since my last post I was told I will be a Granny again this Fall from one daughter, another daughter got married to a man with three kids already (that’s three instant grankids for me 😉 ), and yet another daughter recently got engaged, as did one of my boys!! It’s been a year of highs for sure. This year has also had some lows with the loss of a friend to cancer and another friend being diagnosed with MS. All of this is in addition to the regular, daily emotional highs and lows that come with being a woman as well as fighting chronic pain EVERY day. A few months back I received my first epidural lumbar injection and nerve block. The second is coming up. The injections did help some but it took me a while to realize it because I allow the various aches, pains, and emotions I experience regularly to be very distracting ~ staying focused is a challenge…it’s a journey.

I get frustrated and depressed and angry at my limitations all of the time. Therefore I will blow off the healthy foods for a while, and procrastinate on seeing the doctor and chiropractor like I should, and I’ll skip exercises for a couple weeks at a time all because I’m wallowing in my own little pity party. Just as I get frustrated, however, I also get encouraged. Maybe it’s something a friend says, or an analogy the Pastor used on Sunday morning, or seeing the grand babies and remembering part of the reason I want a healthier (in all aspects) life. God speaks to me through little things as well as through prayer and His Word. This morning I read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians (chapter 2 verses 9-10 specifically)… ‘And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. FOR WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.’

So as this new season approaches-both literally and figuratively- with changes in weather, changes in family, and physical changes, I hope to be an encouragement to others and always be grateful for what I have, both happy and painful. May we all find strength and encouragement from one another and especially in the Word of God. Drawing upon His strength daily will help us overcome challenges unimaginable. Drawing upon His grace daily will help us accept all His blessings…no matter what they look like.