Bumpy Day

Arghh! One step forward and three back. Today my throat is raw, my abdomen hurts, my legs are in pain, my muscles keep stiffening and cramping in my arms. Phooey. I had fully intended to go to work and be happy catching up, but instead, I crawl back into bed and rock myself gently to ease the pains.

All I can think of is how fortunate I am to have a soft comfortable bed to lie in, to have cool fresh water at my fingertips to drink, to have the beautiful comforter my Mom made me cradling me softly. How lucky to be able to see the green leaves waving outside my window, and see the blue of the sky high above me. How lucky am I to have plenty to eat and such a welcome variety, to have medicine to ease the discomfort, to be able to get treatments to kill this horrible disease.

There are so many people in the world so less fortunate than I. Imagine having to deal with the pain of cancer in some dirty hovel where the only running water you get is to run with it in your bucket after you hike down the hall to the community bathroom. Imagine what it is to lie on a hard lumpy mattress and not have the strength to roll over and get comfortable.

Even in America, there are many who can't afford treatment, who live with the pain, who must work despite not feeling well, who have no friends to help them when they are in need. Man, I have nothing to gripe about.

But a lot to pray for. So I recall the newsletter from Samaritan's Purse about the Russian Jewish women who are dealing with severe financial hardship and I pray that God will intervene and supply their needs. I remember the descriptions of the street people that Mother Teresa was helping in India and how they lived and died and I pray for them. I recall the two men who live in the intersection of the highway in North Carolina and I ask God to meet their needs. I pray for my neighbor who lives in pain that God will relieve the situation and help the doctors continue to find solutions.

I pray for the lady I met last week with the bad back pain and the young children who's mom just passed away and the family of the young boy who committed suicide, the bipolar guy whose Mom couldn't deal with his issues who has been living in the woods, a friend of my son's - the list is endless. The needs are overwhelming. The perspective is helpful. I am happy to count my blessings instead of my aches. Besides, its easier to drift off to sleep while you are praying! I am sure tomorrow will be better.