Because, when you stop and look
around, this life is pretty amazing. . .
These words hang on the wall in our home which I
have the privilege of staring at many hours of the day. Due to my current condition, I sit and recite
the words, passing the time of the day until someone returns. I quickly change the thoughts of despair,
disappointment and depression into positive by simply reciting and remembering this
life is amazing!
Prior to a recent surgery, the daily schedule
refused any “down” time. Working in a
fast-paced career kept my feet moving continuously for 12-14 hours. Coming home to tidy up, put supper on the
table and get all to bed left no room to relax.
We ran at this pace for months before I realized the craziness. We had to work. We had to maintain the house. We had to complete basic life skills. But, there had to be a way to weave peace
into the madness.
As we completed a churchwide journey revealing the
obsessions that stole a relationship with God, my eyes opened wide to the
problem. It was not the jammed packed
schedules. It was not the hours required
to complete life skills. It was not chores
done to keep up our home. It was
obsessions! My obsessions took up way
too much time in life. I ran to these
when life overwhelmed (which was like Every. Single. Day.). The time spent fulfilling obsessions stole
“down” time. The energy wasted on
filling the void every day with obsessions stole “relaxation” right out from
under me.
Ironically enough, a recent surgery knocked me down
quite a few notches. I am restricted to
any movement beyond walking with crutches.
I cannot even bend over to put on socks/shoes or clean my feet. And shaving remains out of the question! Enter 24/7 down time and obsessions taken
away cold turkey. I believe God will not
take me into a chapter of life without providing the strength to get through;
but, some days sitting inside the four walls of home watching the paint crack,
I feel incapable of this chapter.
Sit. Ice. Eat.
Walk a few steps. Repeat. For days on end, this is my schedule. The plans of each day trigger eating disorder
thinking. I sit and think. Then, I sit and think some more. As I venture down the old rugged path, God
steps in and redirects. God remains busy
because redirection occurs often throughout the day. One redirection that works every time is
reading the above words hanging on the wall I stare at every day.
Pulling me from the pit of negativity, shutting down
the pity party, these words remind me of the blessings surrounding every moment
in this life. Thank God for two legs to
walk the path He planned for me. Thank
God for two healthy kids returning to me every day with stories to brighten my
day. Thank God for the husband who
sacrifices and shaves my legs, cleans my feet and helps me get dressed. Thank God for family that care enough to send
love, pray for me, drive me to appointments and help without hesitation.
Because, when you stop and look
around, this life is pretty amazing. . .
The list goes on and on and on. God provides life sustaining blessings every
day. The obsessions I ran toward provide
temporary survival. The obsessions leave
me empty. God desires more for our lives
than temporary fill-ups. God wants us to
help in building His Kingdom. God wants
us to enjoy the works written in our chapters.
He wants us to be obsessed with our story – written by Him. He does not need us. . .He wants us! Major difference.
He wants us to keep eyes on this pretty amazing life
given daily. This life given to each of
us holds a mighty purpose. Let’s not
waste a moment of it. Let’s keep our
focus on the prize waiting after this life ceases. The trials and tribulations only build our
faith. Believe in God to see you through
and your faith will increase on the other side.
God provided this time-out in my story.
He wants me to spend time with Him and listen. . .
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for
teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so
that the servant of God[a]may
be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-20
Will you take a time-out today and listen? You will be amazed at what He reveals in your
story.
Because, when you stop and look around, this life is
pretty amazing. . .
Live life. . .One Day at a
time!
Sheree Craig
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