Now I Know

Over the past 30 plus days, I’ve struggled with some respiratory challenges. At the tail end of this journey, I got some relief these past few days- I haven’t coughed once. Without a doubt, I truly have a new appreciation for the gift of ‘breathing’ freely and independently. For over a month I’ve dealt with insomnia, lack of appetite, labored breathing, incessant coughing and other discomforts. It’s amazing how you don’t know until you know.

I had never had to walk through these challenges before so there were some things I never understood. I now get the torment that can come with insomnia. Those who don’t breathe as autonomously as they’d like – I get it. Now I know the frustration of not knowing what to eat because your body rejects what’s in sight. There were days I wanted to ‘do’ – but had no energy. Some days I just didn’t want to - no desire to even think.

I can’t help but think life throws us these moments to pull mercy, kindness and grace out of us. We often don’t grasp the distress of others until we walk these rugged roads ourselves. Until we meet pain, suffering and certain storms – our focus is mostly toward self. We slowly become void of compassion and completely self-absorbed. Suffering is truly a tool that God uses to help open our hearts so we can breathe empathy. Extend a hand of kindness or a listening ear. Dare to reach out to the vulnerable, the hurting – the lonely and forgotten. Sometimes Our Father takes us to certain places because it’s the only way some lessons can be learned. Be at peace as you journey through your discomfort – at the other end is a better you.

*** Thanks for stopping by – Embrace the journey!