How Aware Are You?

"The Lord your God is in your midst..." - Zephaniah 3:17

Being laid up has a way of making me pause for thought. After all, just how many taped TV shows can one watch? It's been just over a week since my shoulder surgery and after lots of TV, a couple of movies and a novel under my belt, I finally decided I needed to write - even if it's with my left hand, using my cell phone keyboard! Yes, this will probably be the shortest post on my blog. :-)

I got the news yesterday that the damage to my shoulder wasn't just due to an injury, but rather by my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as well. And just as I'm waiting to heal from this surgery, my other shoulder (along with other joints) hurts also, signaling that my disease isn't finished with me yet. Clearly, RA is a journey, not a destination.

The good news is that God isn't finished with me yet, either. He is at work in me, just as He is in you. I was sad to see someone on one of my RA support group boards expressing dismay over his "disgusting" life. Yes, RA is disgusting, but our lives don't have to be. I am reminded of that each time I meet an amazing, interesting person and then subsequently learn that they also have RA or another debilitating autoimmune disease. The pictures of my RA support group board members tell that story too. Their posts may tell of pain and struggle, but their photos show joy and laughter with loved ones. Our bodies may be in pain, but our souls don't need to be. The abundant life - one found as we walk hand in hand with our Creator - is like a rose: there may be sharp, painful thorns on the stem, but also attached to that same stem is a beautiful flower, soft and coloful, with a sweet scent that lingers in the air. No matter what our circumstances, through Him we can find joy, hope, peace...love.

March is Autoimmune Disease Awareness Month. If you don't have an autoimmune disorder, find someone who does and give them a hug. They are likely to be suffering silently, as these diseases are often "invisible" to others until they are in the latter stages. If you do have one of these diseases, know you are not alone. Some of the best support groups are on Facebook and there are some other great blogs. I would be remiss if I didn't include links to a few I am especially grateful for, who have shared my Spring Sight blog with their readers: Rheumatoid Arthritis Information (on Facebook) and Living with RA (blog). I especially like Living with RA's recent article on "comparing our scars."

During this special month, I hope you will join me in being more aware; not just of Autoimmune Disease, but of God. Exactly where He is leading me, I do not know, but I trust Him enough to follow. No matter where I am or what I face, when I pay attention, I can feel His presence. I am aware of His love. Are you?

How Aware Are You? originally appeared on Spring Sight blog, by Linda W. Perkins.  Get even more encouragement by following me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Subscribe to Spring Sight by Email Your privacy is very important. Your email address will not be shared with any 3rd parties.