Joy Is Easier To Find When You Have A Thankful Heart by Denise Rogers
It is so easy to lose sight of what really brings joy when your body hates you. Each day I am faced with the reality of a body that does not function “normally”. My pain receptors are on overdrive, I must take a boatload of medications, and the lower half of my body often has a mind of its own. Having an Incomplete SCI and Chiari Malformation has taken away my ability to run, dance freely, stand/walk without assistance, and given me a lot of grief. So, what is there to be joyful for?
First, just waking up and being able to still breathe, see and hear is enough to bring a peaceful smile to my face. I have been given the privilege of another day to enjoy to the best of my ability. I can sit, watch, and listen to the amazing song of the birds, listen to the wind as is blows through the trees, and smell the blooming roses, lavender, and geraniums.
Yes, I may some limitations, but I am still able to do so much. I can share a kind word, a smile and/or a friendly gesture like letting someone go ahead of me in the store. I am also able to use my camera to capture some of the beauty that encompasses me or use my artistic abilities to create something new to share with those around me.
I have also been given the privilege of being able to drive with the use of hand controls. Yes, there are moments where my pain is too high, and driving is out of the question. Yet on most days I am afforded the ability of picking up my grandchildren and having the afternoon to enjoy their company and teaching them.
Although I can do all these things, without a thankful heart I would allow myself to become bitter, depressed and my pain would take over. Instead, my heart is alive, and I am thankful for so many things in my life. I can slow down and take the time to relish all the blessings that surround me. Even my pain reminds me that I am alive in this life. My injuries strengthened my faith and caused me let God carry me through. Through prayer I can refocus and regain being thankful for the blessings God has bestowed on me. I am nobody special, except in God’s eyes. We are all special in his eyes. So, no matter what we are facing I genuinely believe that we all have a better story to tell.