Finding Joy in Every Season

 Every season you go through will teach you something about yourself. That's why I say to embrace the good and the bad as well as remaining teachable. It can reveal your true character, show you the lack of trust you may have in God, or even show you the importance of trusting in His timing when you don't understand it all. You aren't going to feel the nearness of God on a consistent basis through every season and I have spoken about this in previous blog posts. Don't become too reliant on "feelings" of His nearness using that as your barometer for truth about reality because God is always near. There will be spiritual highs and lows just as there are highs and lows throughout our lives. These seasons not only come to grow us, but to show us where there are things that need to be removed or that have been allowed to take root that must be uprooted to continue growing.....also known as "pruning." Not a fun or happy time but the fruit given birth to, such difficult times, far exceeds the pain and difficulty of the season itself. You will see life through a different perspective when you allow the seasons of rain, drought, desert, and storms to shape you, NOT destroy you. If you aren't open to change and teachable, they will destroy you. 

Simply ask for the Lord to guide you through each season of life, knowing that when you do, He truly is working all things out for your good and you won't ever go through any of it alone. From where you stand, some days it may be hard to fathom that this is indeed possible, but it is!! Hold on to Him as you would a rescue device thrown out to save you from drowning! 

I've been open and vulnerable about my storms. I'm not quite all the way through mine yet, but I always know that I will come to the end. Yes there will always be another, but don't fear or focus on that! I have told you before, watch your focus and perspective......keeping your "face like flint," not looking to the left or right. The verse on that is found in, Isaiah 50:7. The portion of the verse, "face like flint," is in reference to the strength and durability of flint, which is a strong material. I have to practice this daily and it's not always easy as there are days I just physically and emotionally don't feel like it!! AGAIN....PICK YOUR HARD!!! Fully indulge in the good seasons as that will better "cushion" you to make it through the tough seasons that will inevitably roll around.

There's so much emotionally and mentally I've had to give to get through the LONG storm I have endured, let alone what it's going to take to finish riding it out with the forced life changes I am up against. It doesn't matter what we're up against, it matters how you go after it and in faith, knowing that you will conquer what is set before you and all will be well. Life with a stoma bag is a HUGE adjustment to make. I don't sit here feeling sorry for myself, but allow myself to feel and work through the emotions as I make those adjustments. Don't waste time if you don't want to waste away. 

I didn't get up until after 1:00 PM today as I didn't set an alarm, and I know what a big day I have tomorrow with the four hour [ round trip ] to Indianapolis to see my surgeon. I made myself get up though because I have to stay hydrated for the sake of my kidneys and having POTS. My body still needs nourishment to heal, and my fur babies need me [ 4 cats :) ]. Doing what you don't feel like doing, actually makes you feel better. 

I've been down for every holiday this year and as we are in the midst of the holiday season it's important to remember, that though we who are suffering try to feel all the joys, it's not always possible. Keep in mind how crucial it is that you be mindful, thoughtful of, and kind to others!! You never know what someone is going through weather it be the holiday season or not. We will be delving into the epidemic we have of hate, meanness, and staying out of self tomorrow or Tuesday. Let's see what I can handle tomorrow. I hope you all are having a relaxing and enjoyable Sunday!! Take care and keep a heart of compassion.