Checkpoint!

I feel compelled to ask today …

How are you?

This month has been days of twists and turns for me. It makes me wonder about you! Are you experiencing the same or have you sailed into the new year on the “Easy Glider”? It could be on water, snow or ice. Or all three like my spot on the globe!

I told you I still had seven people’s presents under my tree. Guess what? They are all still there, like memories that didn’t happen. They hold more questions … when will I see them? Will the gift still be appropriate? Where will I keep them once the tree is down?

Ugh, that’s the biggest question in my tiny house. They had a spot under the tree, but as of Monday, my tree and house were in the deconstruction phase. Now, the once under the tree adornments don’t have a home.

I could ship them, but it would probably cost more than the gifts. And I love giving gifts in person.

They hold a dilemma. More questions than answers.

Maybe something in your life right now holds more questions than answers! Or maybe even heartbreak.

I’m using a silly illustration of un-given gifts, but maybe it’s a much bigger thing in your life. One that grips your heart and affects everything. How do I get through it? Will I get through it? When will I get through it and what does life look like on the other side?

The questions we don’t find simple answers to.

I wonder if this month finds you there.

I’ve had three deaths close to me this month. My Aunt who leaves a daughter without a mother. And a Grandson with cerebral palsy who she shared her days with. My Daughter-in -love’s Grandmother passed. She, at periods of life, was like a mother. My dear friend’s sister passed on.

A New Year doesn’t give us the privilege of escaping hard things. Life continues on with ebb and flows and title waves!

How are you?

Sickness …. It’s everywhere! I barely know a home unscathed!

My husband succumbed. I use this word in the old fashion way … picture back of hand to forehead. If you are going to get my husband down, you’ll have a fight. I don’t recall in all our years him having to take an entire week off work! And he had weekends on both ends. He returned to work, not being contagious but still having a cough.

I quarantined him to a room for almost a week, putting food/water/tea outside his door, spraying his tray and grasping it with paper towels, which were promptly discarded. Some may consider this sick prison, but you know what? He didn’t complain. Which means he was REALLY sick! If you know my go-getter extrovert with emphasis on the “extra” husband, you know keeping him confined is like wrangling a cat. Or as I would put it … an act of God!! Believe me, I don’t try. (Said in love;) I’m smarter than that😉

I have adult children, grandchildren, friends, and neighbors who’ve all begun this year with illness! It’s not the fireworks display of welcoming in the New Year we all imagine. It’s been more like juggling Tylenol, NyQuil, DayQuil, Mucinex, herbal tea, cough drops, tissue boxes and Lysol. An Octopus of remedies trying to quell the ravages of germs and micro-droplets.

Can I get an “Amen”? (Sorry the preacher’s wife in me took over for a second.)

Not an easy start!!

I want you to know … You are not alone!
If this year has been tough already, I care about you. Life can be so hard and so cruel in seasons. So unexpected and unwelcomed! We are left living the days. Sometimes, barely one foot in front of the other or one cough to another!

I cannot solve all of life’s rising demands, but let me give you one lift of encouragement from personal experience.

Nourish yourself! Even if it’s from a supine position lying on a pillow and staring at the ceiling.

Nourish your body! Eat whatever healthy food you can consume! Drink fluids! It will support your immune system.

Nourish your mind. Listen to a book about something encouraging. It could help your perspective or be a means of escape for a bit. Even if you fall asleep, your mind may leave the four walls for a minute.

Nourish your soul. Listen to music, meditate/pray, listen to a podcast, ask others to pray for you, and keep a verse or saying beside you that encourages you.

If only for a second … Stick your head out the door for some fresh air.
Stand in the sunshine.
Look at the moon.

Check-in and let me know how you are in the comments!

Isaiah 41:10:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Challenge: If this year has started out wonderful for you, look around, find someone who is having a tough start and encourage them: a text, a call, a card, a prayer, a hug, a voicemail, email, etc.

Care & Prayers,