First, let me preface my message by saying – no, I am not depressed
or feeling sorry for myself. What I am
is in a very contemplative, learning mode.
I have done a great deal of learning this year and the lessons just keep
coming. I view that as a positive thing –
not always easy, but always a step in the right direction.
I truly believe that every experience we have
contains a purpose and a meaning.
Sometimes, if we’re lucky, that purpose or meaning becomes abundantly
clear to us, other times, not so much and we have to have faith and continue on
regardless – believing that we are on the path we are meant to be on.
As I am writing this, my thoughts keep going off into
different directions, simply because this message is all encompassing and is so
relevant to a plethora of different situations and circumstances. I continually have to keep bringing my focus
back to my intended purpose. So, what is
my purpose?
My thoughts, as of late have been surrounded around friends
and family that I care about who are struggling with constant pain and symptoms
of serious, debilitating illnesses. They carry this heavy burden daily and it affects
their lives in very real and difficult ways.
This year, although there is no comparing what I’m facing temporarily
and what they face, I have been given a taste of what it must be like for them.
Because of my recent challenges, I have to say, I have learned a great deal of
compassion, understanding and admiration for all of them.
I have learned that it is so very true that people just don’t/can’t
understand what you are going through unless they have been through it
themselves. They just don’t get it! Many can only handle the reality of a “chronic
illness” (for lack of a better term) for so long before they either make
themselves scarce, disappear altogether or become frustrated at the limitations
it forces upon the person. Inevitably, even the most caring, well intentioned
people eventually start saying and/or thinking things like, “Maybe if you try
not to think about it so much” or “You need to be more positive – think positive
thoughts;” “Well, you look like you’re fine” and even worse – “maybe it’s all
in your head.” There are numerous more,
but you get my point.
So, my purpose behind this post is two-fold. First, if you are one of the people watching
a family member, friend or even an acquaintance go through this daily struggle
and you get to this point in your thinking, and you probably will (I have to admit I
have) just take a minute to ask yourself – if I am feeling this frustrated as an
outsider looking in, how must they be feeling living it every day? Then, before you say anything, ask yourself –
is what I am going to say really something that will encourage/help them or is
it just a result of my own frustration/feelings of helplessness?
Now, to those who are living with these challenges – my heart
truly goes out to you. Know that you are
in my thoughts and prayers daily. I
think (even if on a smaller scale) I have experienced both perspectives, and to
the extent I am able - I get it! My
prayer is that, whenever I am given the
opportunity to help/encourage you in any way – that God will guide me and use
me to give you exactly what you need when you need it. I also pray that this message gets to the
people that need to read it and it makes a difference for you.
Finally, out of respect for their privacy, I did not mention
any names, but I hope that my family and friends that I was thinking of while
writing this will know that it is for them.
Through my own challenges, God has really placed you on my heart and has
allowed me some insight (as I am experiencing some of this myself) on what it must
be like for you to live this every day.
