Chronic Fatigue, Lyme Disease, Low Thyroid, Adrenal Fatigue……all added up to exhaustion and a lot of pain. How would I take care of the kids in this condition? I remember one year when I needed to hire someone part time to help me homeschool our kids while I lay in bed all morning, crying out to God in agony. 

My legs and arms felt like lead balloons, my brain was foggy and it felt like a knife was piercing deep into my shoulder area.  This isn’t how it’s supposed to be, I thought.  I was ready for God to take me to heaven……except for the thought of my children being without a mom.  That’s what kept me going.  I was determined that I was going to get well.  To  accept the state that I was in, but also focused on restored health.  It was not going to get me.  I would be healed and free from disease.

With the help of a nutritionist, I slowly started to improve.  I was on a rigourous, restricted diet and regiment of  supplements.  I felt rather boxed in, but at the same time was feeling so much better.

Over the years, I have had some relapses with my health. But my attitude has changed and I have learned so much through these trials. I used to feel so guilty because I couldn’t do everything that society says a normal mom should do. Such as being able to get up and make breakfast for the kids.  Mine had to learn quickly how to pitch in and help prepare meals…now they are all good cooks. What once appeared to be a detriment and a negative situation became a learning experience for all.  

It also made me appreciate things that are so easily taken for granted. Like being able to take another breath, to touch the soft fur of our dog, to see the sunset and feel a gently breeze on a summer night.

Being forced to stay quiet allowed more time to reflect on my relationship with God and others. To pray for people, to think things through with out rushing around so much.  

I am thankful for the lessons I learn during times of illness.   It’s not fun, but I believe it builds character and gives me more compassion and understanding towards those going through similar situations.

So if you’re struggling with your health, why not give yourself some slack….let go of unrealistic expectations and learn to embrace the present moment. Give in to the need to rest, or to say no.  It’s ok.  And when the time is right, you will once again be able to soar like the eagles.