Someone asked me the other day what I liked to do for fun, for a hobby. I knew they were asking from a place of caring and compassion as my allergies, immune system, and conditions provide many limitations. I hesitated before answering. Many of my typical hobbies such as reading, music, and crafting have been severely limited due to increasing allergies and decreasing mobility in joints. Hmmm... Cleaning and fighting for survival didn't seem like socially acceptable answers. Those answers also sounded depressing when my life is abundant (John 10:10) even having to be inside and isolated a majority of the time.
My daily routine of health looks something like this: 4 AM meds and then beginning a three-hour med/snack routine from 6 AM to 6 PM; my house must be "white-gloved" and all fabric cleaned weekly although some things such as cleaning out cupboards are done every few months. All food must be made from scratch and be gluten, sugar, and dairy free, low-salt/carb and high protein; hydration and movement are vital throughout the day. Physical and occupational therapy must be accomplished. I work full time, a fact for which I am exceedingly grateful! My 12 braces and weakness hamper my speed a bit. Frequent infections sap some of the remaining strength many weeks. Remembering current limitations and allergies is a chore in itself. Whew! I know many of my chronic warrior friends can relate and have routines/limitations that are even greater than mine.
I started thinking. Some weeks, the above tasks are cumbersome, tedious. Yet... it is becoming routine. If all of these restrictions and needs had come at once, I honestly would have quit. My thoughts turned to Exodus 13:17-22. God didn't take the Israelites on the most direct route straight out of Egypt. Why? They weren't ready and would have turned back. However, He takes us step by step. As He did with the Israelites, our gracious Father goes with us to guide and protect us even if it is not in a visible cloud and fire as He did with them. (How cool would that be, though!) He takes us on a path that is designed with our current needs and growth in mind. Psalm 103:13-14 sums it up well. As a Father, God shows us compassion and remembers our frailty. He knows where we are at and what is best for us.
Looking forward to the future, my health routine will change and grow. Yet, I have no fear. God is guiding me and walking with me. He will never leave. (Hebrews 13:5b) He knows the way that I take. (Job 23:10) As He did with the Egyptians, He will take me on a path for which He will provide.
As Dad said many times, "Who wouldn't love a God like that?"
No comments:
Post a Comment