I have rewritten this post several times, and prayed about even sharing it. But I know that writing and talking have always been therapeutic for me, even since a young child. 

I was reminded that sometimes the very things we go through can actually help others. I have seen it all my life.  Things happen, so we can choose to be “BItter” or “Better”.

Which leads me to the game of “Dots.”

Remember that game?  Make dots on a paper and then take turns with others to see who can “connect the dots” and make the first square?  Your initial claims that box as your own!  Who ever has the most boxes once all the dots are connected wins the game!

Connecting dots.  I have been doing some of that lately with my health. 

Over seven year and I have a couple of boxes almost connected. 

I have been praying for answers, in particular the last eight months as the pain, spasms, weakness, and swelling, etc.. have all gotten worse.  I just knew something was not right.  But I also knew that these “old earth suits” wear out.

Over six years ago I was so stressed that I quit teaching, lost a third of my hair, was diagnosed with alopecia from a biopsy, had a basal cell carcinoma removed, numbness and swelling in my feet, ankles and right hand. My back and neck hurt all the time. Then chronic pain started with my feet and went up my legs with spasms and Charlie Horses. And a hip replacement four years ago did not relieve that pain. I could go on…as could many of you.

This “earth suit” was really in need of repair. LOL

I have really made an effort to take care of myself with natural supplements, good eating, exercise.  But I really felt I hit a brick wall and no one could give me answers.  Four doctors later, five minutes into the exam…the rheumatologist/neurologist was talking about a “central nervous system disorder.”

Several questions and procedures later, my husband and I left with a lot of test orders and a lot of questions that hopefully will be answered the end of this month.  The “dots” were connecting, the game was just not over.

I just spent the week with our 15 month old granddaughter, who was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy in Sept.  She is my inspiration. She is strong, she is determined.  

I will fight this chronic pain with all I have.  I will learn as much as I can about self care. And I will trust my Abba.

Everyone has something. I know people are dealing with so many issues.  Pain is subjective and no one really understands what the other person is going through, we just pray that the Father will give us the compassion we need for each other.

My Jesus gets it. He has proven Himself faithful over and over in my life.

He gets all our pain, our heartache, our hurt.

Hang on to that….and hopefully you can connect the dots too.

Psalm 119:90 “Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast.”

~Be Encouraged Today

Tammy