For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. – Romans 8:18
Today I was thinking of some truths that I’ve learned since I became chronically ill. Life gets pared down to the basics after that, doesn’t it? Priorities shift, perspective changes, things we’d never even considered before become crystal clear and oh-so-important.
I thought I’d share some of my musings with you today. I call it:
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Suffering
1 Some things can’t be fixed.
2 Time heals nothing.
3 God can heal everything.
4 Life doesn’t wait until you’re “ready”.
5 It really will still be there tomorrow.
6 Most people really don’t get it.
7 God really does.
8 Naps are vital.
9 Asking for help is the strongest thing you can do.
10 Your existence is the answer to someone else’s prayer.
11 Pajamas can be fashionable.
12 So can slippers.
13 Life looks much different flying by from the passenger window.
14 Applying #13 to God can change everything.
15 The people who matter want nothing from you than a hug and a smile.
16 The people who don’t matter usually need the above 2 things worse than anyone else you’ll ever meet.
17 It really is possible to pray constantly.
18 It changes your life when you do.
19 Pews are torture devices.
20 How much you fear a needle all depends on how much pain you’re in at the time (and this pretty much applies to everything you fear).
21 Mom’s kiss really does make it all better.
22 Sometimes pruning is necessary for regrowth.
23 A C-PAP can be sexy.
24 So can compression stockings.
25 Recognizing your limitations is NOT giving up.
26 Redemption is WAY better than restoration.
27 Your physical health does not define what you have to offer.
28 When you’re not given a choice in your new reality, you can adapt to some pretty unbelievable circumstances.
29 “How are you?” is not nearly as innocuous as it seems on the surface.
(Seriously, we need a new greeting people. Seriously.)
and finally…
30 The relationships we form online can be stronger than steel and more comforting than the softest blanket to our soul.
I‘m so glad to know each of you. I’m pleased as punch that you choose to spend any of your time here reading my ramblings. I pray for each of you daily. You matter, I consider you to be my friend, and I thank God for you.
If you’d like this list as a Printable, click here or on the image below! Heart Hugs <3
Dear God, thank You for each person reading this post. Thank You for the blessing they are in my life and in the lives of those around them. Help us to always see the humor in our circumstances, and always look for Your fingerprints in our lives. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJi_7f1cpbk
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Hi Shelly! Your list is great…you had me smiling even though I know being chronically ill isn’t something to laugh at. (And really, pews truly are torture devices!! LOL) But, as you said in your prayer, may the Lord always help us to see the humor in all circumstances because laughter truly does do a heart good! I’m so glad I’ve been getting to know you. You are such an encouragement!
Have a blessed and joyful weekend!
In Christ, Joan
Joan recently posted…That First Step
Joan, I’m so blessed to get to know you, as well! Humor is definitely my weapon of choice, don’t know what I’d do if I could no longer laugh at my circumstances. I’m so glad the list helped you smile and giggle some today. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
This awesome!!!!!!! 🙂 Hysterical and profound all wrapped in one. Adorable photo! That was so sweet what you wrote about your friends online. Do I know any of ’em? 😉 Can I be your friend ? lol!!! And hey I wear compression stockings too…sexy?….hmmmm. I might have a bit of work to do to catch up with you on that perspective but I love it and I envy it for sure! Bob was hysterical when I read him the one about the CPAP machine. Very cute. Love that you made this a print out! Love this post, my friend…and yes we DO need a new way to greet one another besides “How are you?” Lol…ugh. 🙂 Xo Claudia
Claudia, do you know that you are one of my very favorite people in the whole wide world? 😀 I’m so glad this brought a smile to your face! Love you so much! Heart Hugs <3 Shelly
Oh, I hear you on the new greeting thing! “How are you?” stumps me on a regular basis. “Drowning and terrified” doesn’t seem to be the socially acceptable response.
I know, right?! It is different coming as a genuine query from people who care to hear the answer, but as a greeting, I say we boycott it! Praying for you, Shecki! Thanks for encouraging me with your comment. Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
YES…#30! So thankful for the women God has brought to me in this on line community! Blessings!
Barbie recently posted…The Weekend Brew: Dreaming Together
Amen, Barbie!! Such a blessing! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
Awww, Shelly, you are (as my kiddos say) AWESOMESAUCE!
Yup – you’ve said much with humor, honesty and grace; and will continue to open many eyes, hearts and minds as this is shared far and wide!
As I’m relatively new to much of this journey of ‘change’ – I’m clinging to #25 and #28 and confident in God’s mighty provision for every moment of every day!
Thanks for your WONDERFULLY positive perspective! wooohooo. . .you go, girl!
Bountiful beauty and many blessings be yours!
Jennifer, you are a blessing to me! I’m so glad that this lifted your spirits! That’s exactly how it was intended! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
What a beautiful list, Shelly!
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Thanks for encouraging me, Mel! Heart Hugs, Shelly <3