“You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator (Colossians 3:9, 10).
Creativity and adaptability have never been my strong points but God is using my health problems to develop these character traits within me.
As my health has deteriorated I have given up various activities and responsibilities, and I am learning to accept these limitations. Yet I am also learning there may be creative ways to work around some weaknesses, rather than complaining and giving up hope.
Some of these adaptations are rather humorous. I have difficulty sleeping so have acquired quite an accumulation of pillows to keep me comfortable. Thankfully our bed is big and my husband is not, or he would be pushed on the floor by the mountain of pillows which varies nightly. Because of back pain, many times I either carry a heating pad or wear an ice pack under my clothes. Finding outlets and hoping I don’t develop leaks can be challenging! I play games with friends and do my computer work on my knees, and my pile of pillows are great knee pads.
These adaptations and others are a work in progress. At times I get very frustrated about all that I can’t do in a “normal” way. But God is using these circumstances to grow me in new ways. God is a God of creativity. We see that in the myriad species of plants, animals, insects, and humanity, ranging in all sizes, shapes, colors, and personalities. We as humans have been created in His likeness. We are not God or gods and never will be, but we possess the attributes and characteristics which He has chosen to give us.
Becoming more creative rather than complaining is one positive aspect of my pain. Finding a creative way to handle a new limitation can be compared to a work of art. My Heavenly Father is the Master Painter himself, and He is the best teacher.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for renewing me in Your image. Rather than complaining, let me seek Your wisdom in finding the perfect balance of acceptance and creativity in my limitations. Amen.
About the Author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
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Could you become more creative in dealing with any particular limitation in your life at this time?
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Bronlynn, every day I struggle to overcome my tendency to dwell on what I can no longer do. I like your dichotomy of complaining and creativity. I consider myself creative yet I get bogged down at the other end of your continuum. Thanks for increasing my awareness. I’m going to post “COMPLAINING or CREATING” on my mirror to remind me and hopefully be more creative about my illness and limitations. Blessings, Linda
Thank you, Bronlynn,
I have the summer off because I could not work due to my sleep paralysis. I imagine this as a sabbatical then it doesn’t seem so bad. Because I cannot work or drive I rejoice in what I can do. I decided to pray more. For everybody and everything. I never prayed so much in my whole Christian life of 40 adult years. I also am writing poetry and devotional materials. I am reading inspirational literature. These creative things I did not have or make time for when I was working as an educator. Thanks be to our Creator for giving us the gift of creativity. I am enjoying you enjoy your pillows! Mona
Linda, I like the idea of putting something on your mirror. I too need visual reminders to keep me focused on what’s true.
Mona, as I read of what God is doing in you while you can’t work, I thought of that verse in Genesis where Joseph said that what his brothers meant for evil, God meant for good. I”m learning God can always turn a negative into a positive if I look long and hard enough and am willing to see it!
Blessing to you both on this journey of creativity 😉
Bronlylnn