Cycles

"But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not grow faint" Is 40:31

Like weather and everything else in life, pain seems to come in cycles. Last winter was the roughest so far, but a visit to the rheumy to discuss new treatment and the blessing of a last shot of steroids and I have had many good, nearly pain free days. It’s amazing what that can do for your outlook. Being able to function again, even for just a little while, brings hope and a light heart. I got some work done on the yard and garden, repotted many of the little seedlings I had started into bigger pots, waiting until they can go in the ground come June. I’ve not been strong enough to ride, but I did put some new trail boots on my Paint horse to get them broke in so when I’m able, I am ready to go.

The downside is, there have been a lot of barometric changes this spring, with storms coming and going and that brings pain and weakness every time, but the good news is, I am rallying in between.

The good days are so very much appreciated. I did appreciate my health and strength before I became ill so I cannot say that gratitude for the good days is a benefit of my condition. Nevertheless, they are precious and won’t be taken for granted.

I felt good enough that I was too busy to even finish this blog for awhile. The storms have abated for a week or so and the disease was all but silent. I was able to enjoy working outside in the garden, rode my horse a few laps and almost kept up with the housework for a change. I’ve been thrilled to be able to work in the garden, doing some hoeing, planting the seedlings and hauling old hay to throw down as mulch. My back is beginning to complain about the wear and tear and yes, I overdid it. My hands have flared up and blistered again, but I can’t sit still as there is so much to do, so I keep going. Back on the pain killers for now, but there is great satisfaction in a job well done. I can sit on the porch and just smile as I watch the hummingbirds and butterflies and see the grass and flowers grow from my perch.

Sure as shootin’ I went too far and now I’m paying the price and spring weather has caused more flaring. Ugh.

 Round and round we go. As it has been said, 

"I don’t know what tomorrow holds, but I do know the One who holds tomorrow."

Hanging onto Him is the only way I can get through my deepest valleys. We will all walk through our own valley, in pain, poverty, grief or disappointment. It is one of the things we are assured of in this life.

Thankfully, this life is not all there is.

"And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart" Gal 6:9