Sunday, February 7, 2016

Out of the darkness and into the Light


As February comes upon us, usually here in Connecticut, it is a dark and dreary month.  However, this has not been the case.  I feel pleasantly amused and upbeat by the beautiful, sunny days with gorgeous sunrises and spectacular clear sunsets.  My overall mood is brighter and sunnier as well.  Nature's light is definitely good for one's soul.

Upon reflection about my upbeat mood and general singing and dancing about the house on some days, I realize it is not ONLY the Winter weather that has me joyful.  Nope, it is my ability to wake up and show up for my life once again.  These past few weeks have been a most treasured break from the annoying, relentless and unwanted guest who constantly barges his way in to ruin my plans. I  have told  him on no uncertain terms to "get lost" and "stay lost"!!   

Although my days are still carefully ordered by many limitations and my routine is quiet and simple, I am finding the ordinary to be quite extraordinary.  Truly.  The oppressive darkness of barely functioning most days with severe pain and feeling so groggy from the numerous meds has slowly been giving way to receiving and living in some light.  Let me tell you, it is AMAZING.  

The joy I feel while moving with greater ease, attending to house chores, cooking, baking, talking a little on the phone and holding conversations that MOSTLY make sense, is AMAZING.  Feeling like my tiny, baby steps are actually moving me forward is nothing short of AMAZING, either.  My body, mind, and spirit are being filled with a new energy and a new Light.  I feel as though I am entering a new season even though my chronic illness remains. 

My year of YES is taking off, and I am seeing the light ahead of me. I wish to become the best version of myself even while I traverse the stormy seas of my daily challenges.  Although I grieve a lot for the old me in many ways, I am trying to be positive about discovering a new me!  This year I do not want to focus on what I "can't do" but instead what I "can do".  I know it sounds simple, but it isn't always easy to put into practice when I experience my difficult to manage days.  

My dear friends, I want to offer you hope that through your struggles, you can live in the light if you keep searching for it.  I promise.   It just takes time and lots and lots of patience.  

I cannot begin to even attempt this change of attitude on my own.  It is only by the grace of God that sustains and strengthens me.  This Holy and penitential season of Lent provides me the perfect opportunity to concentrate on living in and shining Christ's Light.  I feel the Holy Spirit asking me to practice some laughter and levity as well as meditating on the way of the cross in preparation for Easter.  

"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."   (John 1:5)



9 comments:

  1. Lisa,
    This is just BEAUTIFUL! I can just see you singing, dancing and moving about with pure joy. Ever since my series of surgeries that left me unable to walk for a long time, I can honestly say I thank God every time I am able to walk out the door and into the sunshine. Your attitude of gratitude is contagious!! May others find the inspiring hope that I've found in your writing!!
    Blessings sweet friend,
    Bev xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. I am thankful that Bev shared you with us. I am truly inspired. I live with Fibromyalgia and fight anxiety and depression most days. Looking forward to reading more encouraging posts.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you, Barbie, for reading, and I am glad I offered some inspiration. If you look at my previous posts by going to my home page, you will get an idea of parts of my story.
    I am sorry for your health issues and truly relate. Yes, when suffer physically, our emotional well being suffers too! I am up and down and feel like I ride a constant roller coaster and I HATE roller coasters! Ugh. May the light of Christ hold you and give you strength.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been doing a happy dance with the sunshine too- great reminder to find joy even in the hard and to show up for our life. Thank you for linking up on the #RaRaLinkup via Bev today.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a beautiful story. Such hope, faith, and inspiration. Thank you, Lisa. Found you at Bev's Walking with God.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Inspiring, I am happy you are moving ahead with the YES! you are saying to God's Will over your life.
    It is good to connect with you here.
    God Bless

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Than you for connecting and I do hope to offer encouragement to others.

      Delete
  7. May the Lord bless you, Lisa! I dealt with chronic illness long ago and remember the joy of doing simple, daily things when I got better. Every once in a while I still wonder at the miracle of being able to walk!

    ReplyDelete