When my Dad had shoulder surgery two years ago, I moved in with him. He couldn’t get dressed by himself, or cook, or drive to his physical therapy sessions.
He was concerned about his lack of independence, and ‘being a burden’. But I never felt like it was a hardship. It was my joy to help him. I supported his feelings, but I made sure he knew that it was a temporary situation. He’d be back to normal soon.
I think about that these days, as I’m recuperating from surgery for my broken leg. I’m the most boring person on earth. Day after day, my activity level is mostly sitting. The only thing that changes is my chair. Still not allowed to put any weight on my right leg, I can’t do much.
Okay. I’ll let you in on a little secret: Sometimes it gets me down. I don’t like losing my independence, and ‘being a burden’ on my husband.
You should see my kitchen floor. (Or not.) I look around and see what I should be doing-or could be doing-if I was back to normal. Dutifully repeating my exercises three times a day, I wonder if they’re making any difference. Sometimes I look at my leg and think “Why in the world did I have this accident? How could I be so stupid?”
Sadly, this kind of stinkin’ thinkin’ is very common. We are all our own worst critics, and have very little tolerance for our shortcomings and limitations. It was easy to be compassionate with my Dad. Second nature to support a friend’s emotions and physical needs.
But it’s so hard to do that for ourselves.
I think it’s because most of us use self-criticism to motivate. If I’m tired, I’ll start blaming myself for a poor diet, or inadequate sleep. Hopefully, that will help me make better choices. Sometimes that works. But sometimes, like now, it only acts to discourage me. I end up feeling like a boring burden.
The time I spent with my Dad reminds me that these feelings aren’t anything new. Of course I don’t like constraints. No one does. But instead of letting that get me down, I should treat myself like I treated my Dad. With kindness, patience and joy. Feeling tired? Take a nap. (It refreshes and makes me much calmer.) Can’t move around? Find a good book. (Amazon is making a bundle off me these days.) Feeling sorry for myself? Call a friend and complain. (She can take it, and will speak words of humor and support.)
There are hard moments in all of our lives. You might not be recovering from surgery, but I know you have challenges. Let’s remember that our hardships are as sacred as our victories. We can make them holy by practicing tenderness toward ourselves. Why save our compassion for everyone else?
Until I fully recover, I deserve soothing, massaging, warm words, and acts of comfort. And I know just who to tap to get them.
Me.
Surrounded by the Spirit on Facebook
Linking today with: Kelly at Ra-Ra Linkup
Oh, my friend, you’ll never know how this speaks to me. I’m definitely my own worst enemy…..very critical of so many things about myself. I’m getting better….could that come with age?
Hi Deb! I’m so glad that you are in recovery from over-criticism! I hope that wisdom comes with age…I think I’m just a slow learner.
I see how encouraging you are on your own blog, I really hope you are doing the same for YOU. We all need to learn to be self-comforters. God says we are precious, and so we are!
So glad you have your heat back on 🙂
Ceil
Beautiful! The hardest thing we can do is to provide ourselves the same grace that God gives us everyday. We need to extend self-care lovingly to ourselves which for me is very difficult. I love your humbleness and honesty. I will continue to pray for you as your recover and learn how to be tender with yourself. Blessings friend!
Hi Mary! I will gratefully take your prayers. Thank you so much! I think everything that happens to us is for our instruction, and then hopefully to share. I need to get better at being patient with myself, and cutting myself some slack too.
There’s a reason this is a slower time for me. I should celebrate with a nap!
Thank you for your lovely comment,
Ceil
This is a great reminder for all of us, even when we aren’t convalescing…to be kinder to ourselves and especially to those around us who are going through something…which is probably most everyone. I can imagine you are getting pretty tired of this…but hang in there. It IS temporary…soon you’ll be back to your normal active self and these days will be a dim memory…but hopefully you will take something from this that is of great value…a greater appreciation for others in similar circumstances…and also never taking your good health and physical abilities for granted. They are a priceless gift that we should treasure and nourish. Sending hugs and love to you today. You ARE loved.
Hi Pam! I really appreciated your comment. You have some really lovely lessons from this time for me. You are so right, health is something I did take for granted before this fall. I don’t think I’ll be doing that anymore.
And it’s okay to be kind to ourselves. It’s encouraged! We are God’s precious children, and need to be patient with our trials and challenges. It’s been a fertile time…I hope I keep learning.
Blessings,
Ceil
It’s funny that when we’re helping others, it makes us feel good but we don’t think others feel that way about helping us. I think that’s human nature–we don’t want to be any trouble. Plus, we take for granted simple things like being able to just walk across the room.
Hi Stephanie! I really agree with your observations. It’s true for me, that’s for sure. I love to help people, and I enjoy being there for someone if I can. But I do often feel like a ‘bother’ when I need help. That’s so silly.
I hope I never take walking for granted again. I can’t wait to use two feet again!
Have a peaceful night,
Ceil
And read a good book! Have you ever read any of Betty Neels books? She was an English nurse and married a doctor from Holland, so most other romances are about English nurses and Holland doctors. They are published by Harlequin… and that’s my secret confession… I like Harlequin romances, especially the old ones!
Hi Freda! Thank you for the book suggestion! I have never heard of this series, so I’m glad you mentioned it. We all have ‘guilty pleasures’ and this one sounds like a great one.
Maybe Amazon will hear from me again 🙂
Thank you for visiting!
Ceil
We can be our own harshest taskmasters … I pray you’ll be able to enjoy giving yourself great big portions of grace, dear friend.
He loves you so …
Hugs from me to you. And I wish I lived closer so we could do boring together!
Hi Linda! It’s been a struggle my friend. But I realize what’s going on now, at least a little bit. I think I have to get more comfortable being compassionate to myself. And being patient with weakness. Ugh.
It’s a time of learning for sure. Hope I take it all in and think and pray over it all.
Thank you for your hugs…hugs back! You know I wish you could run over and have some tea. Someday!!
Have a restful night,
Ceil
When I was on bed rest pregnant with the twins, and when I was pregnant with Melanie……I wanted to wash my kitchen floor badly. Funny thing was, I never ever wanted to wash my kitchen floor before.
BTW….no one is going out in this cold weather, so you are not missing much 🙂
Talk with you later
Terry
Hi Terry! I remember your sharing your need for bedrest when we had our tea party. I know that I am not the only one to go through limitations, there are so many who have been in my shoes (well, one shoe anyway!). That knowledge helps actually.
How funny that the kitchen floor bothered you too! My husband is a saint. He just agreed to wash it this week.
I have said a few times, if I have to break my leg, this is the time to do it! At least my timing is impeccable 🙂
Thanks for commenting Terry!
Ceil
So true Ceil. I too get down on myself when I am too tired to do much and it goes on and on. I always feel I need to be doing something constructive with my time and accomplishing. Whatever happened to “in all things I have learned to be content”? It may have been used in a different context by Apostle Paul but it is still good advice to us. We can always learn more (books), reach out more (phone and internet), encourage more (blogs and other social media) and do something useful with the hands (make something to bless someone else). Who knew we could be so busy being seated. Sending you hugs and good wishes for a wonderful time of rest and contentment during your recovery.
Hi Joyful! You make such a wonderful list of things anyone could do while not mobile. Encouraging more is always welcome isn’t it? God gave us each other and expects us to use our gifts to do just that.
I also think that time could be used to learn patience, and the art of self-compassion. It’s way too easy for me to get frustrated. I need to learn more and more how good it is to accept where I am. And to be joyful that it’s not a permanent situation!
Blessings,
Ceil
These words, “Let’s remember that our hardships are as sacred as our victories. ” are so so true…oh, if only we can remember them at the beginning of our hardship! May He strengthen that leg of yours, my friend and heal it completely. Hugs to you.
Hi Dianna! Unfortunately, it seems like I learn looking back way more than in the moment. I guess that’s just me. But, with God I can do anything, so maybe he’ll speed up my learning curve.
Thank you for your good wishes and prayers. You know how much I appreciate them. I’m getting better day by day. Patience and prayer. That’ll do it.
Have a restful night,
Ceil
So sorry to hear you are still housebound Ceil. I am still praying for your early recovery and back to normal. Hope it happens soon because I’ve been on my knees for ages a now and God is getting a headache with my constant murmuring.
Please don’t feel you’re a burden to your husband on your loved ones. I am sure they treasure you and are happy to help as you did for your father.
Try using your sitting time for new pursuits. Like, as you said, reading, or writing even. Put together the plan and first draft of your book – (I’ve already placed an order with Amazon). Do something creative like painting cats black. Or send e-mails to your readers here on this Blog. That should surprise them. I’ll always respond to yours.
Whatever you do, don’t give up Blogging. Your readers will miss you.
God bless.
Hi Victor! Your comment touched me SO much. You are such a dear blog-friend, thank you! I was thinking today that God must be using this time to slow me down. Way down. Maybe I am outrunning his plans for me, or maybe I just need a rest. I don’t know.
I won’t quit blogging, but I am going to take some weeks off next month. I am starting physical therapy, and there are some fun plans coming up too. So…I’ll take a breath, but I will be back.
Thank you so much for your constant support for writing, and me personally. Please get off your knees. I know that Fr. Ignatius would say you can pray sitting down too 🙂
Monday blessings,
Ceil
Aw; such truth here Ceil! I appreciate your honesty here my friend. It’s so hard not to throw yourself a pity party once in a while! (We deserve it; right??!!) 🙂 But when we begin to see our problems as more good than bad, then we are able to continue walking closely with Jesus, worshiping Him, and giving thanks for what we do have. Be gentle and kind with yourself sweet one; keep thinking on all the kindness you have showered on others, and receive some of it back! I am sure it is a blessing for others to give back to you!! ♥ I continue to keep you in my thoughts and loving prayers my friend!
Hi Denise! Your words just lifted me up, thank you! Pity party is just the right phrase, I should have used it in the post. Being gentle and kind to myself is not my strong suit, which is actually pretty sad. I think this time is showing me that God is the boss of me. Not me.
Thank you for your prayers and your very kind and supportive words. It’s just the thing to help me climb out of the pit, and back into the light. I so appreciate your visit. You are a blessing to me 🙂
Happy Monday,
Ceil
My husband Dick was just saying we too often lament what we don’t have instead of leaning in to what we do. It’s wonderful that you recognize the blessings in the midst of your challenge, Ceil. Praying you will heal quickly and will be able to allow yourself this season of rest and reflection without discouragement.
Hi Pam! Your husband is right, it’s sad that I can give into my emotions and get discouraged. But I know it happens, and that I am not alone.
Thanks to God for helping me see that this is a time of slowing down, rethinking goals and being patient. I’m bad at all of those!! I just plow ahead, and that’s not a great way to go.
Thank you for your prayers! That’s exactly what I need 🙂
Monday blessings,
Ceil
Ceil,
These words mean a great deal to me! “Let’s remember that our hardships are as scared as our victories. We can make them holy by practicing tenderness to ourselves. Why save our compassion for everyone else?
I give a lot to others and at times forget all about myself.
Thanks for the beautiful post!
Be good to yourself!
I shall keep you in my prayers.
Hi Margie! That was a wisdom that is coming from experience, believe me. I have to change my perspective on this time of quiet. Of dependence. And I get so tired too! (Lord only knows why, I hardly do anything!)
I know you’ve had many challenges in your life, and I would imagine you’ve found the same thing. I’m usually much better at gaining perspective when I look back on something. It’s good that I can see some light while I’m going through it.
Always good to see you my friend,
Ceil
Praying for your continued progress in recovering, Ceil. And this is such a good reminder for I’m sure most of us. I know how much I can be my worst critic. Thanks, friend. xoxo
Hi Beth! Thank you for visiting today! Self criticism is really common, don’t feel like the Lone Ranger. It never ceases to amaze me that I can be so hard on myself, and so kind to others.
I’m glad you found this post useful. Hope you’re having a good day. Not missing your husband too much?
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil: In the book and movie, THE HELP, this Afro-American maid took care of this Junior Leaguer in Mississippi. The woman had a toddler daughter that needed special encouragement. The maid told her everyday,” I am important. I am special.” There was a third phrase, but memory fails me. When the maid got fired for a trumped up reason, the last thing she said to the little girl was for them to repeat those words.
I say to you, “You are important; you are special.” God will get you through this time of healing and you will be better than new.
Hi Cecelia! I am familiar with that book, I read it a long time ago. But I didn’t remember the encouragement. Thank you so much, you really made my heart sing. I can see why you love visiting the aged in your church community, you are such a natural encourager yourself!
I’ll keep saying those things to myself Cecelia. They are true, and true of you too. We are all so precious to God, and his plans are the best.
Thank you for your special blog-friendship,
Ceil
Isn’t that the truth! We are so hard on ourselves and yet we show so much compassion for others. I love how honest you are about your feelings (they belong to so many others as well)! 🙂
Hope and praying that you are up and around in no time!
Hi Monica! Well, I can be honest because people like you don’t run the other way when I vent my frustration. I appreciate your sticking with me, even when things are not so sunny!
I pray that you will be tender and gentle with yourself these days, as you sit with your Grandmother in her illness. That can’t be easy, I’m sure it’s draining. God is with you both as you walk this path together.
God bless us all!
Ceil
Are you and Sharon (sharing God) in cahoots. Ceil??? Have you read her post today? Hmm…someone is trying to tell me something I think…maybe I better listen 🙂
Hi Debby! I know!! It just shows me again how constant God’s message is to all of us. Same Spirit, different people. The problem of loving ourselves is universal.
I hope we all will learn how precious and loved we are, and deserving of kindness…from ourselves! Be gentle with yourself my friend. You are the world to so many people.
Monday blessings,
Ceil
Thank you for letting us in on your “little secret,” Ceil. Limitations can really get us discouraged. I certainly can identify with that “stinkin’ thinkin'” and lack of self-compassion. I’m still a work in progress in that area. Be gentle with yourself! Hugs!
Hi Trudy! It’s comforting to know that I’m not the only one struggling with this. I seem to be able to be patient and kind to many, but have trouble with myself. Not very fair, is it.
Let’s both remember to be kind to ourselves. I think we’re all ‘works in progress’ and that means being discouraged sometimes. We’ll make it. It just takes time.
Thank you for your words of support 🙂
Ceil
I have been thinking about you and your healing process and praying for you, too. We do lack compassion for ourselves more than others, don’t we. Keep that positive attitude going! You can do this! (Take a nap for me 😉
Hi Patty! Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I really appreciate them! Especially with how busy you are.
Don’t know if I’ll get much of a nap accomplished, but it will have your name all over it if I do! Your words of support are lovely. It helps 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
Sending you tons of “deserve soothing, massaging, warm words, and acts of comfort” thoughts and prayers too. You know a long time ago I injured my back and had about 6-8 months of pain especially with walking. I remember going on a vacation and not wanting to move from the car to see things since it hurt my back. Now when I walk and exercise I often think about about that time with renewed appreciation of simply being able to walk without pain or hesitation. I think I am more grateful for the little things because of the what seemed at that time a very long inconvenience. Praying all gets better soon.
Hi Jean! I was talking to my brother today. He broke his pelvis and leg about 20 years ago, and had a very hard road back. Like you, he understood how difficult it can be to hang in there and keep a positive attitude.
I also think I’ll be very thankful for the first time I head out for a walk. I love walking outside! You have a lot of wisdom my friend. It’s always good to read what you have to say.
Have a restful night,
Ceil
Oh, bless your dear heart! I know this is a very hard time for you. It is hard to wait upon God…to wait upon His healing….to accept stillness. But, many times, it is exactly what we need. He leads us beside still waters to restore our souls. I know it is frustrating, but He is doing something good for and in you, under the surface. I was very touched by your thoughts on how we should treat ourselves in these times. I am very hard on myself, too, often focusing on what I did NOT get done, my inadequacies and failures, instead of giving myself a break now and then and cutting myself some much-needed slack. Thank you for reminding me of these things. I needed this post. See there, God IS using you..even now…even in this time of being “called aside”. Your trials are pressing out the fragrance of His thoughts, not only for you, personally, but for all of us who read your words! God bless you and see you through this difficult time. 🙂
Hi Cheryl! I know you are right about the stillness. I do think God is trying to slow me down. But it is hard sometimes. Thank you for your beautiful words about God doing something good in me. What hope that gives me!
Being hard on ourselves seems to be very common. l’m so glad you could relate to the post, and I hope your ‘slack’ comes to you soon…via you. “called aside”. I really like that phrase. And I do pray that my time now will help me be a better person, and rely on him more than I do now.
May God bless you for the comfort you send. I so appreciate it!
Ceil
Love this. It’s just how I feel in writing sometimes. Great reminder to extend ourselves grace. Man, that’s hard, isn’t it. 😉
Hi Crystal! Thank you for your kind comment. I think writing is definitely a place where we are hard on ourselves. Taking some time away to recharge and clear heads is hard to do, but necessary at times.
Extend ourselves grace…I like that. I hope you are able to do that in this busy time for you.
Evening blessings,
Ceil
Hello, Ceil. How are you doing by now? I hope there is progress in the healing. I can only imagine the pain. I have scoliosis and the pain sometimes is too painful it drives me to tears.
Take care always, take it easy. Enjoy this quiet moment of stillness with the Lord.
Hi Lux! There is progress I’m sure. I went to PT today, and could add another 30 lbs to my foot. I’ll get there.
Scoliosis really can be painful, I’m so sorry you struggle with that. Our backs take quite a beating each day, and most of us don’t even know it. Be sure to be good to yourself. You deserve it!
I will try to enjoy this time. I do think God wants me to slow down a bit. That’s not something I do easily!
Tuesday blessings,
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
I think it is only when we are in the position of needing help ourselves that we fully understand how another person in that situation feels. I worked in care for several years and loved my work and being able to help the people that needed help. Also I believe, for myself anyway, that being in a situation that I am not fully able to do all the things that I am usually able to do brings me a lot closer to God and His possibilities. I know that this has happened in my own life, and I know it is for a purpose, and I have experienced His possibilities many times in my life. May God bless you with full recovery soon.
Hi Brenda! Thank you for your comforting words. I hope to be closer to God in this time of quiet. I’m sure not going anywhere…God has a way of getting our attention! Like you, I hope to understand what the Lord wants from me, and the love he has for me too.
I hope that I will be walking by Easter. That is amazing timing, isn’t it???
Blessings,
Ceil
All things are possible with our God Ceil, and I hope and pray that you will be walking by Easter too.
God bless you with His unending love.
Lovely, positive, and encouraging words as usual Ceil!
We can really be so hard on ourselves and it’s a terrible place to be. We have to give ourselves grace.
Thanks for sharing this reminder Ceil. Sending you prayers of healing, peace, and contentment.
Wishing you a lovely day.
xoxo
Hi Jennifer! Thank you for your positive words about the post. I’m always happy to hear that they are encouraging!
Thank you for your prayers, I really appreciate that. I’ll work on not being so hard on myself, and letting God fill the quiet spaces instead.
Hope you had a lovely day too 🙂
Ceil
I’m so sorry you’re feeling this way in your time of healing. It’s definitely hard to feel like we’re being burdens for others. I pray you heal well soon!
Hi Susannah! Thank you for your kind words. It does make it harder to think that I’m just being a blob. It’s hard to sit so much! But I’m sure God has his plans for me, and I hope that I can be filled with his wisdom and love.
Keep praying! I love those prayers for healing.
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil…firstly, I am so sorry you have a broken leg. As God continues to heal you, He is also healing a part that one did not think needed anything. In saying that to you, I am saying that to me. It is in the slowing down, those pauses, where God can meet us in a quiet (“boring”) place and we can hear His voice.
I, too, am my worst critic and don’t want to be, don’t mean to be. I just am and am working on that ( as mentioned above in a comment)…the aging process and having beaten upon myself far too long may be of some help.
Visiting from that cheerleading bunch! RARA!
And am praying for you.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Hi Linda! I think you’re right. God is trying to work on my sense of rest. I am not very good at that, I have to admit. I fill the day with all kinds of movement. Maybe it’s just time to soak in some plain old fashioned silence.
Thank you for your words of wisdom. I’ll be right over to #RaRa at your place 🙂
Ceil
” Let’s remember that our hardships are as sacred as our victories. We can make them holy by practicing tenderness toward ourselves. Why save our compassion for everyone else?” Why is this so hard for us to learn? It seems so easy to reach out and help others and then be hard on ourselves. Praying that you will be gentle with yourself. Don’t let those feelings of guilt that you aren’t getting things done get you down. You need rest right now and the work will wait. 🙂 I had a hairline fracture just above my ankle once but had to have a cast. It was boring, but I did manage to spend time making an afghan and that helped to pass the time. I’m sure I did a lot of reading, too. That was quite a few years ago.
Hi Gayl! Thank you for your prayers my friend. I need them, and I appreciate each one!
I guess there is a bit of guilt in not being able to do anything. It’s hard to see my husband have to do so much for me. But this could be a time of rest if I just let it… I’m glad you have knitting/crocheting, I’m sure it helped you with your fracture!
Have a peaceful evening,
Ceil
Ceil,
Oh, yes, practice tenderness and compassion toward yourself…sometimes I think it is the hardest to do…praying God continues to encourage you as you recuperate …recovery is hard work! When I read your words, it reminded me of my own struggle …a much shorter term re: an ankle injury & crutches…and like Jean, I gained new appreciation for much I took for granted …and the learning to be humble and receive when I couldn’t do like I used to..so very hard…((hugs))
Hi Dolly! I sure hope I learn as much as you did with your ankle injury! I know I appreciate my husband’s efforts so much. What a guy to have to do so much for me for so long.
Recovery is it’s own work, you are so right. I think I am starting to see God’s hand in all of this. It’s time for rest. And I stink at that! He does know how to get my attention, that’s for sure.
Thank you for your cyber-hugs! Hugs to you too 🙂
Ceil
Oh Ceil, how I could relate. I hate being dependent on others. I laughed out loud when you said you were the most boring person on earth! I just read through the list of comments and see there are many who agree with me . . . that is far from the truth! You are touching hearts and lives with His love. And remember how you were blessed to take care of your dad, I’m sure your dh is equally blessed to care for you! Great post! Thank you!
Hi Deb! I’m glad I’m not the only one! Honestly, all this housebound stuff is making me so boring! LOL! Thank you for your lovely comment and supportive tone. I am trying to be cooperative with God’s work for me, which is recovery right now.
I will redouble my efforts to know that my husband is treating me with the same kindness I showed my Dad. It is a blessing to have him here. I wish he didn’t have to help me so much, but in love, there is no ‘too much’ right?
See you tomorrow!
Ceil
I wonder why it’s harder to love ourselves than others, and wonder if it’s the same in foreign cultures? One of the wisest bits of advice I ever heard was, “give yourself grace.”
Thanks for the reminder, Ceil. And thanks for the Starbuck’s card! I tried to respond to your email that came through from my blog, but it was not set up on your end, to link back to your email. You have to do that from blogger or wordpress.
Hi Jeanette! Another blogger told me the same thing about the email. I have not found where to change that in my settings. Working on it!
I liked that advice too. It sounds as beautiful as it’s meaning.
Blessings!
Ceil
Hi Ceil,
I will be praying for continued recovery for you!
I agree, I am my own worst critic, but I am getting better at asking for help. Growing up I was taught to take a lot of responsibility and as an adult I blame myself for everything.
Reading your blog today reaffirmed what God has been telling me along: that I deserve some rest time.
I hope you will find comfort during your recovery and know that it is all under God’s control
Thank you for the amazing words and rest up!
Hi Valerie! I’m so grateful for your prayers, thank you so much. I think it’s keeping me on track with therapy.
Yes please. Do remember to get rest. I know how important it is, and yet I’m so bad at it. This time of quiet should teach me that, if nothing else. Be kind to yourself 🙂
It is under God’s control. May I never try to wrest it from his hand,
Ceil
Oh my goodness, Ceil. We really and truly were on the very same page this week! Sometimes we are just downright mean to ourselves. My friend often says that she has a committee in her head, and all the voices say negative things! I think this is where the enemy rejoices – in our thought lives. And he will do everything and anything to discourage and defeat us. And convince us that we are worthless. Well, take this, father of lies. We are God’s handiwork, He delights in us, and we are greatly and truly loved and given grace.
May we learn to apply it to ourselves.
GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon! It’s just uncanny, isn’t it? We were both thinking the same thing this week. Ugh. I remember writing about those voices in my head, and how I needed Jesus to come through and upend the tables like he did in the Temple. I think I need it again!
Let’s try to be good to ourselves. How can we help anyone else if we are not at peace?
God bless you too my friend. Have a wonderful week,
Ceil
Hey, Ceil! Sorry I haven’t been around lately. I’m so behind on my commenting. We do seem to neglect treating ourselves with respect and care, don’t we? I soooo understand being housebound. I have been for the last 15 years. If you are boring, then I don’t ever register as existing! You are certainly not boring, my friend! Your precious heart is too caring! I’m sorry you still have some more recovering to do. But coming out on top at the other end is best and I’m glad you’re doing as the doctor directs. May your healing be complete and your time and heart be filled with all good things! 😀
Hi Lynn! I didn’t know that you were housebound? I’d love to hear why if you wouldn’t mind sharing. You certainly do exist! Your writing is so faithful and full of such joy, you put me to shame my friend. (I mean that in the best possible way.)
I am being very faithful to exercises and keeping my leg elevated. I join in your prayer for healing, and I especially resonate with my heart being ‘filled with all good things’. That’s beautiful. Thank you!
Good to see you again 🙂
Ceil
Ceil, in 2000, I became very ill with fibromyalgia and thought I’d be in a wheelchair the rest of my life. Then, the Lord allowed some healing. He said He would heal me…but failed to mention when! LOL Some days are fair (about as good as it gets) and some days are horrible. I get out once in a while but I’m pretty much a *house-sitter*! About 6-8 months after I became ill, the Lord whispered to my heart to write for Him, which I thought was pretty funny since all I’d ever written was stinky poetry! I was flabbergasted! But that’s what I have done in obedience since then. So there you have it! And thank you, sweetie, for your kind words. You have encouraged this ol’ heart today! Bless you! 😀
I can so relate to this. It’s too easy to get wrapped around ourselves in our own little world, with that “stinkin’ thinkin'” popping up. Been there, done that. And still do it sometimes, so I too, am a work in progress! Hang in there. This is but a moment in the big picture. 🙂
Hi Karen! Thanks for your support Karen. I agree, I’m sure I’ll look back on this time as a quick moment.
I really have to take charge here and decide it’s okay to take a rest. It’s okay to be ‘boring’. God has plans for me even now, so I can relax and wait for his big reveal!
Have a restful night my friend,
Ceil
Ceil, I loved this line: Our hardships can be as sacred as our victories. Oh, how true! If we would just remember to treat ourselves with a little tenderness…Praying you are on the mend, and that you will enjoy this forced down time in your life!
Hi Ellen! It was good to recognize that holiness, even in the middle of hardship. I think of all the bible prophets who suffered, and of course Jesus too. He showed us the ultimate suffering in obedience.
Thank you for your prayers, I just cherish them. I am beginning to lean into the quiet and rest. That’s definitely been a learning curve!
Blessings,
Ceil
Ceil, I am very encouraged by your post as I am recovering from surgery too! This has really uplifted my spirit, thank you!
Hi Ruth! What a lovely image of you and your husband!
I’m sorry that you had to have surgery. It stinks doesn’t it? But we have to hope that we’ll be just fine. I’ll keep you in my prayers for a good attitude and good healing 🙂
Nice to meet you,
Ceil
I am my own worst critic, and God forbid I make a mistake- especially if it’s at the hands of another person who is hurt or inconvenienced in any way because of it!!
I love this, it speaks to me- cause I am WITH YOU in this thing Ceil!!
I honestly have never sweared so much in my life. The pain THE PAIN. And the ANGER and FRUSTRATION. Every single attempted wobbly step, I want to scream.
Time to tend to me more tend-erly.
Thank you for this, my friend.
Hi Chris! Thanks for reading and commenting on two posts!
Oh yes, I can totally link arms with you on the feelings. I just said to my husband today, “This is really getting old.” You know what he said? “I don’t mind helping you.” I don’t know how he does it. But it does help me feel better about being so dependent. And it helps me treat myself to some rest and help too.
Be good to yourself, please! I wish I was there to have some tea and commiserate. We’ll get there, step by step.
Blessings,
Ceil
Thank you for the reminder to treat ourselves the way we would treat others in a similar situation, with compassion and kindness! I am my own worst enemy sometimes. Your words bring healing. Thank you for sharing, Ceil! I am always so blessed by your posts.
Hi Tina! Thank you for your kind comments about the post. You are in good company, it seems that a lot of us are guilty of beating ourselves down. (including me!)
I hope that you will be good to yourself, and be as loving as you are to your family and friends. You deserve it 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
“We can make them holy by practicing tenderness toward ourselves. Why save our compassion for everyone else?” Thank you Ceil for these word, Ceil! I hope your leg feels better soon, but thankful for how God’s using it in your life to encourage so many others. Visiting from #RaRaLinkup
Hi Katy! Thank you for your kind words about the post.
My leg is coming along, I’m starting PT. A step in the right direction! It was so nice to meet you at the Link-up!
Have a wonderful day 🙂
Ceil