Even during the best of times with our comprised health we must make plans to accommodate our disease. Laura shares.
“And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault ‘sky.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day.
And God said, ‘Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear.’ And it was so. And God said, ‘Let there be a vault between the waters to separate water from water.’ So God made the vault and separated the water under the vault from the water above it. And it was so. God called the vault ‘sky.’ And there was evening, and there was morning—the second day” (Genesis 1:6-9).
I stood above a mountain of sand, looking out at the view. It was as if I could see forever–miles of homes and the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. It was an easy reminder of the beauty that God has created.
We were in the Outer Banks of North Carolina enjoying a week at the ocean during Easter. It was a beautiful location for a week of relaxation; time with our family before the rush of end-of-school activities begins. As my daughter prepares for high school graduation and then college, my husband and boys are finishing up their school year and looking forward to a relaxed summer.
I walked the ocean each day and prayed. I really could not think of a better place to thank God for our beautiful environment; our family and friends. I thanked Him for another day, and for allowing me time to relax.
I find the ocean so calming and beautiful. Even on days in which I felt exhausted the ocean provided respite.
For my kids, they learned I am somewhat athletic. I played a tiny amount of tennis with my crew; showing the kids I can actually serve and volley. “Mom I did not know you were athletic,” said my youngest. There was no need to tell him I needed to stop early as watching the ball was causing dizziness.
We had many adventures on the trip, including a visit to the local emergency room for my daughter’s bad case of strep throat. I took her then rested.
I needed to rest a lot on the trip and my husband helped by doing day trips and dinners out. I had to choose what I could do. I scheduled one complete day at the beginning of the trip to recover from traveling. I am saddened sometimes that I miss activities, but I would rather do some, than not try at all.
And once home, it seemed as if I slept a solid week. It was worth the physical pains to make memories with my family. And I thank God for such an opportunity.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as we reflect on the beautiful meaning of the seasons, allow us to continue to embrace this life and the love You provide us. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband of 27 years and three children. She is a retired elementary school counselor who currently runs a HopeKeepers group at her church. She has dysautonomia, the deregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls such invisible functions as heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and temperature regulation.
How do you make modifications in life so you can participate? Do you ever grow sad because it feels like there are enough enough accommodations you can make in order to participate, travel–live the life you imagined?
I really needed this today. Last week I pushed myself to the max in order to see family and grandkids I had not seen in two years. After that weekend, it seemed days before I felt my “new normal” again. I was so tired, but I also thought it was worth it. I am in that transition phase of attempting to not feel too sorry for myself and participate in life as much as I can. I don’t want to “waste time” on self-pity…at the same time, I know a time of adjustment is normal and necessary. I am in the process of educating my husband that sometimes it is better for me to bow out than to push myself so he doesn’t feel guilty about leaving me out of things. I think that may be the hardest part so far!
I know that God is carrying me thru the hard days. It is a comforting feeling knowing He is by my side. The Bible tells us that He does not give us more than we can handle. Some days I feel as though He is giving me more than I can handle.
This is an excellent tutorial on how to not feel as if chronic illness is causing anyone to feel as if they are missing out on everything. I also find it helpful to journal my activities so that when I am unable to do anything, I can look back at what I have participated in over the past couple of weeks and realize that I won’t remain continuously unable to be involved. Or, at least, I have not found my worst days to continue endlessly. Thank you for your description of mixing rest and what you really want to do.
A great message about rest, preparation, protection & being involved as able! Thanks Laura 🙂 Thanks for sharing about your beautiful holiday! What a gift to be able to join in with your family! Praise God!
It remains a difficult thing to miss out on life events! I missed a funeral today that I found tough! I knew it was an event WAY beyond what I could manage, but it’s still tough! God knows though that I’d be there in a heartbeat, if I could be! Juggling the heart, body & mind is a challenge for us all during illnesses. Accepting with grace what eventuates is something that I’m gradually learning to do more & more, with God’s help. God bless. LOTSoluv Kerryn
Karryn, you ministered to me right where I needed it! You always seem to do that! I needed to “hear” what you wrote in order to give myself the grace to rest. After two trips in a month-one planned, one spur of the moment but very important-I cannot seem to get on my feet again.
After reading your sweet devotional, my aggravation eased and my recliner chair called.
Thank you dear friend, Sandy Platt
Laura, I thank the Lord you were able to enjoy this time and place with your family.
Making plans for special events or to say, “No” to them is a very individual thing. But those who commented showed that we here at Rest Ministries understand and empathize with each other when that, “No” is necessary.
Sandy, how cool that our dear Kerryn’s words gave you contentment.
I was blessed by all the comments.
Luv ya Laura, Beth
LAURA ; ENJOY GOD ‘S
BLESSING AND PROTECTION WITH YOUR FAMILY. REMEMBER GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME.
HE PROVIDE ARE NEEDS ; AND HEALS
DEEP INSIDE. TO
EXPERIENCE JOY.
GOD BLESSED YOU. ?
Thanks–this really spoke to me.
I fully agree with the above comments! Instead of nothing God gives us help to do some things for memories to come back to later!