My Christmas Gift to You

As I write this entry, I'm sitting alone in the dark trying to get refocused on the important things this Christmas.  It has been 3 1/2 weeks since my surgery. I am not fully recovered and unable to walk or sit up much.  It seems to be a very slow recovery process.

This Christmas I am learning that if you have family, friends, mental stability, health, and trust in God then you have all that you will ever need. With a little courage, you can conquer the world with these things.

Since my surgery I have been stuck watching TV for most of the time.  I have been bombarded with commercial after commercial. I am one of those rare few who doesn't own a DVR. :-) More and more the ads seem to avoid the word "Christmas".  So far Krogers and Home Depot seem to be the only ones that come to mind that even mention the word "Christmas".  Every year the world tells us that we need the latest and greatest gadget.  We are fed the idea that we need to get our children tons of presents.  We try to compete with all the years before.  Many have more than they could ever need or appreciate.  Today I decided to shut off the TV and write my message to you.

Most of us may have finished our Christmas shopping by now.  Unfortunately, I wasn't able to shop this year.  If I could I would give the greatest gifts that are not found in Wal-Mart or any other store. All I can do is pray for lives to be restored.

This Christmas I have a friend whose 11 year old daughter, who suffered brain trauma, who would like walk out of the hospital, and be fully recovered from being ran over by a car back in November.  I have a couple of family members who would like to return their Stage 4 Cancer diagnosis. To bad Wal-Mart doesn't take back items like that.  I have another friend who would like to be celebrating her baby's 1st Christmas instead of remembering burying him a few months ago.  A few other of my friends would like to find their family restored and no longer separated or going through divorce.  One of my dearest cousins would love to be celebrating one more Christmas with her Uncle Earl, who suddenly passed away at the end of November.  He also was a huge help to my mom.  What wonderful gifts these would be to find under the tree!!!

I admire each of these people's strength and courage to endure what they have suddenly been thrown into.  I believe that is their Christmas gift to me. When I get down and discouraged, I remember these people and the other tragedies in our nation. No matter the circumstance, we are not alone in our suffering.

Even though I would like to unwrap the gift of having my life back to normal, I have to trust the recovery process. I know one day I will look back and know this was the best gift God has given me - a time to reflect on Him and having my faith in Him restored.

No matter what is under your tree this year, remember the reason why we have Christmas at all.  Enjoy every moment of your health and your family.  Blessings to you....have a Blessed Christmas.

A Time to be Thankful ~ Day 1 Walking

Seems like so many people I know have endured a lot of hardships this year.  From financial difficulties, health and legal issues, breakups and deaths in the family, we all have had our share of struggles in 2012.  

As this Thanksgiving approaches, I'm spending these next 30 days focusing on gratitude. There is always a reason to be thankful.  Negative situations and thoughts may try to steal our joy but we can stay focused.  Even when the hard times are challenging, we can still be grateful for there is a lesson in everything.

Health ~ Being able to Walk

This year started off good for me. I was really inspired to eat healthier, exercise, and run as much as I could. Just my luck though.  Right when I was motivated to eat right and exercise, my health got the best of me. 

After months of running, I ended up with a herniated disc pinching a nerve.  Back in September I received a couple of steroid shots. But a little after a month, the pain seemed to creep back up on me. At times I am not able to walk very well.  This leaves me with little choice but to have minor back surgery this December.  

Although I am hobbling along these days, I'm so grateful that I'm at least walking. Although I am not able to walk very fast or go walk a mile or two if I want, still yet I'm walking. Sometimes we don't realize how lucky we are just to have legs to stand or walk on. Being able to run is even more of a gift.

There are so many small things we can focus on that makes our life better. Keep a journal and focus on the things you are grateful for this year.  Even the smallest gratitude makes a world of difference.