From the Bird's Nest

Good Morning World,

 

I'm sitting in my dining room watching the hills as the trees are shrouded in soft white clouds and the sun peaks through with winters lens showing the few remaining bright splotches of yellow leaves scattered through the evergreen forests. I am fortunate to be able to still see the hills, the skies and the trees. 

I'm getting older...day by day. When I was younger, I didn't sense aging. It seemed as if I would always be strong, filled with energy and projects lined up just waiting to be completed.

I did not realize that after a point, I would have the experience of feeling the effects of age. It's here. At 75 the bumps, bruises, breaks experienced over the years have left me less able to do the things I used to. I am becoming more dependent on others to help me. 

It's a weird experience shared by some friends and family who are supportive as I learn how to accept my limitations. Most of these comforting individuals have already encountered accidents, illnesses, limitations that life has brought them and they have learned how to not be overwhelmed by the changes. I have found their help and encouragement so valuable, I thank them for their transparency. They could have just put on a front and not disclosed their own painful journeys of learning to age gracefully in spite of illness, accidents and other setbacks.

As I look out my window I realize the sun is now brightening and it is nice to see the leaves on the trees in my own yard reflect the sunshine's yellow glow. 

Earlier today I did my morning routine; make coffee, let the dog out, gather my devotional books and my Bible. I am blessed to have a recliner, and a new heated blanket. What blessings these are to me. I drink my coffee and read my devotions. I read three;  In Touch Ministries free daily devotionals, Streams in the Desert,(Mrs. Charles Cowman) and  In Quietness and Trust, (Angus Buchan). There are always words of encouragement in these devotionals and Bible verses to strengthen my faith.

I would like to think I have a strong faith, but the truth is I pray 'like the dickens' for God to help me believe when I am faced with the issues in life that are outside of my control. Which brings me to another point, I read my Bible daily. I need to, to bolster my faith. there is a verse that comes to my mind, "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God." Romans 10:17

I could pretend that I have strong faith, that no matter what I believe in God. But I don't when bad things happen I have to pray and pray for God to give me faith. 

Oh, and the other day when faced with more issues that needed to be addressed I discovered U-Tube on my TV has beautiful free videos with incredible nature scenes, music and scripture being read by narrator's with calm soothing voices. What a blessing when I am trying to make decisions about what to do about this or that issue that needs being done, yesterday (lol).

  I know I am blessed beyond measure the difficulties I experience when compared with what some people are going through are very minor. I can still see, walk, talk, think, drive, hear, eat, cook, and plan. I read the little decoration I put on the TV stand that says, Always be thankful. I am thankful and as I move through this journey of aging I commit to keep doing those things that prevent me from sinking into despair or depression over the loss/decrease of my abilities.  

Well, I just wanted to touch base with other people who are going through life and finding things a bit more than we might have expected. 

Until next time, remember, "Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning." 

I Can Still See the Sky

 

Day 1 – I can still see the sky…..

Recovering from an accident where broken, fractured bones have created so much pain, I’ve had to regroup finding my “happy” self. For many weeks, dizziness from head injuries kept me sort of “off-kilter”. I migrated from bed, around the house, to recliner, to bed. I have watched more news and podcasts then then the combined rest of my 74 years of life. My tiny dog and I have ongoing one-sided conversations. Good news, he doesn’t talk much lol.

        I am still reading my daily devotionals and my Bible. Sometimes what I read touches my heart and soul and I send up prayers of thankfulness. Other times, nothing resonates, and I have moments where I search for verses that have some meaning for my current, wounded body and soul. I claim those promises taking comfort in the fact that one man who came to Jesus was very honest and said to Jesus, “I believe, help thou my unbelief.” I also try, ‘counting my blessings.’

        I have food, home, bed, blankets, electricity, water, safe neighborhood, money to pay bills, some family, friends, and can still see, walk, think and talk. I am truly blessed.

The above helps most times I am discouraged. Sometimes though, when I keep hurting physically, or I am unable to do things, like open a bottle of water, simple task yet requires being able to turn the lid. My right hand, wrist and arm are injured and I can’t open water bottles, or a thousand other tasks I could normally do. Then I have nagging thoughts, “Why God?”  “What now?”

        This moment, I am sitting in my dining room, looking out the window at the clouds, the sky and the hills some miles away. The sun is poking through the patches of blue and seeing that makes me happy.

 I’ve been housebound for 7 weeks unless my kids could drive me. Yesterday, dizziness finally gone, having the ability to have more use of my right thumb gave me the courage to drive to my local stores. I bought a little food, and some pet care items. It was such a big deal to me. The privilege to carefully get in my car, and drive! Today I have a longer jaunt for physical therapy. I will take it oh so slowly, (without becoming a road hazard, lol).

So back to the questions of;  “Why God?, “What now?” I’m transparent with God about how I’m feeling and thinking. When my own faith runs low, I just keep reading the Bible and praying. I don’t know why, I don’t know what now, but this I know, God is faithful.

Now, watching the trees are they are gently touched by the sun and the breeze I feel blessed. My future plans list is pretty small, along with my daily to-do list, but I’m still here. Moment by moment I will continue on with the grace of God being the support through the times when the future looks dim, and the present seems kind of hard.

I am claiming the following verse:

 

“Hope in God and I will yet praise Him for the help of my countenance.”

Abridged: Psalm 42:11