The most important things are easy to remember but those vital to survival, are easy to forget.I sometimes struggle with remembering to breathe, often holding my breath without realizing it. Just like breathing, life happens and as it does, I get caught up, distracted, and stuck on things that really aren’t important.Today has been one of those days...the kind of day that started out with me feeling sorry for myself. I was thinking, “Why me? Why do I have to be the one to go through the pain that I’m in? When will I finally feel “normal” again?” Just as quickly as I thought those words, God whispered this:
“Your pain doesn’t define you; it refines you. You have “this” so you won’t forget.”
Almost two years ago, was when I first began to experience the heart issues and other health issues. Out of the blue it arrived. No warning or way to brace myself for the journey. I’ve been from one specialist to another to seek answers. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been in the ER and admitted into the hospital. As for the tears, God’s bottled enough of those to create another river…cool…the Simone River. I kind of like the sound of that!
The frustration, the endless tests, humiliation, tons of medication – I’m so over it!!
Yet, the magnitude hit me today and I remembered - I died. Flat lined. I was brought back for a reason. I vividly remember what I saw and as much as I can put it into words, I can only say “WOW!” before tears fill my eyes.
I remember – and it makes the pain so much more worth it. I’m not the same person I used to be. I’ve become more resilient, maybe more stubborn, definitely more determined to live each moment and breath as if it were my last. I’m not strong enough sometimes – but He is.
It’s a relief to know that I’m not alone in my pain. In 2 Corinthians 12:8, 9, Paul, who had a thorn in his side asked God three times, to remove the thorn but God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in your weakness.” That’s what it’s all about. It’s about me leaning on Him when I can’t walk one step further or when I feel like I’m going to hit the ground.
Even if in this life I never find my “normal” again, I know I’ll be okay.
I won’t forget.