Chronically Christmas

Tomorrow is Christmas Day. A day of celebration and joy in the birth of our Savior. It's also a day with shortened sleep, family expectations, and heightened emotions.

  ALL of the above can be challenging with chronic illness. More than any other day, this is a day that I wish to be fully ON for my children's sake. This is looking unlikely this year already: I've been nearly constantly sick since before Thanksgiving, and while my Christmas preparations are solid, these very illnesses have sapped much of my usual low energy remaining after my chronic issues have taken their voracious bites. I'm eagerly anticipating my children's joy, but wish that I had a minimum extra 24 hours of healing and rest beforehand.  

  So... how is this mama handling this year's chronic illness Christmas? Prayerfully, slowly, and as restfully as I can. God will give me enough for the moment, and I will do my utmost to rest in Him and be still. Isn't this much of what God asks of us? To come to Him, give Him all of our burdens, and simply be with and for Him?

      Perhaps I should live as if EACH day were Christmas; coming to adore Him and giving all to Him. Perhaps my focus should be Chronically Christmas, not chronic illness Christmas. The one great blessing of chronic illness is KNOWING that I did not have enough, but that He did, showing me His glory in my weakness. Yes, I would be ecstatic to be truly well, but this close personal relationship would be harder if I didn't NEED Him so desperately.      

I pray that you meet our Savior where you need Him this Christmas, and that you, too, may live focused on Him, chronically!