5 ways I did not let my “bad day” win

Friday welcomed me with a REALITY check – the kind I don’t like to share! For those that are reading this that don’t know me; you will know me a little better after reading this. As much as I don’t love sharing this, it is a part of my story.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis was the diagnosis we heard at 15 years of age. My mom and dad in shock and none of us knowing really what that would mean for my future. Don’t just old people get arthritis?!?? Not really a juvenile anymore and the hope I would outgrow it has far surpassed. So now I embrace RA on a daily basis. It is part of my normal. I don’t love talking about it but, I am not here to put on a show or blow spiritual smoke at you. Rather I write to encourage you in real life struggles and this was mine today.

Reality Check #1: My husband having to wake the kids early before he left for work at 6:00am because I couldn’t make it up the 16 stairs to the second floor of our home to wake them at normal time.

Reality #2: My kids helping each other pack lunch boxes and prepare for school because I was politely sitting in a chair.

Reality #3: Nonna, my amazing mother, picking them up for school and getting them Taco Bell for breakfast last minute because I couldn’t stand and make the eggs I had planned on making.

Reality #4: Me in the same dress I wore yesterday. Why? Because I slept in it in the den to be able to ice my knees off and on all night in hopes of feeling better by morning. This also kept me from climbing the steps and irritating my knees further.

Reality #5: Me wearing my athletic tennis shoes with yesterday’s dress so I can make it through the afternoon’s Uber routes to all the kids activities after school. Yet again, still not able to make it up the stairs. Not the best look but it is what it is! Can I just pretend I am some young professional in New York City on my lunch break walking to shop or out for a really cool lunch appointment. LOL! It was 2:30pm and time to go! Tara, pretend what you want but get your swollen stiff self in the van.

The way I handle and view my life is about all I have control over. Do I love having these “bad days”? No! Would I choose a day stuck in the chair – messing up my plans for fun or productivity? Of course not, but I can choose my attitude toward my RA and all it brings to my life.

Do I dwell on the hardships and limitations or do I make the most of what condition I am in each day?

Every day is different and sometimes unpredictable. The unpredictability to me is the hardest part! I may plan a day shopping with a friend and intend on walking the mall for hours and I wake up with a knee that won’t hold me up. I may plan on cooking a special meal or having prep day and my elbows and wrists freeze up and can’t hold a utensil or bend enough to accomplish those skills. I love to hike in the mountains but sometimes – ok let’s be real – most of the time this is not a smart choice for me.

I was forced to stop and take care of my body today. So instead of finishing cleaning out the garage from my sale, I sat! A LOT!

But I chose to enjoy this time and make the most of it.

Psalm 73:26-28 “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you. But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge that I may tell of all your works.”

First, and most important to my attitude, I had time in God’s Word.

Second, I finished the fiction book I have been reading – an accomplishment for me because of the size and I just really don’t read fiction. I prepared for Life Groups at our home Sunday night by reading the Chapter we will be discussing.

I spent much needed time in prayer. I have a sweet little friend who has just had surgery and a family I love in need and a friend overseas starting Prayer Rooms in Uganda. Knowing that I was praying to the God “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” Ephesians 3:20

Psalm 62:8 “Trust in him at all time, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.”

Also, I took time to try to connect with YOU! For you, it may not be writing a blog, but could it be writing a card to someone you love and letting them know why you appreciate them. Could it be picking up the phone and scheduling coffee with a friend to catch up? May I suggest inviting someone into your home for a meal together. CONNECT with people! We all need this more than we acknowledge. There is someone that needs to know they are wanted and welcome. Look and watch for that someone God has for you to connect with. If you are in need for connection, ask God to provide this and then make the first move. Go to the new bible study or ask a gal to lunch.

I can still grow, learn and serve even while stuck on my BOOTY!

Lastly, I rested – without GUILT! This is by far the hardest for me.

My disease or any circumstances that come up in life don’t define me. God does!!! In a chair or cleaning my house, I am a daughter of the King. Ice packs covering me for relief or out running errands and getting things done, I am redeemed and righteous in His sight. Swollen joints or ones that work (sort of; on some days), I am here for a purpose and I long to make much of Christ. I may have “funny hands” as some of my kids at church call them but these funny hands can praise the one true living God just like strong straight knuckled hands can.

Now maybe you understand a bit more why the hymn I typed over my picture is one of my favorites. It is simply true! I DO NEED HIM EVERY HOUR! Not just because I can’t walk on a given day. It is waaaaay more than a physical need but my physical challenges bring me back to the reality of all humanity more abruptly. I can do nothing without Christ. I need him to be my strength, my strong tower, my shelter and my provider of all things. I need him to be my Savior from my sin problem and provide me grace and forgiveness through His perfect sacrifice on the cross. I need Him to also be the Lord of my life – day in and day out. Good day or rough day; productive day or a day of rest; day at camp with 100 kids or day studying in solitude – I NEED HIM EVERY HOUR!

I want to recommend this product at Amazon.com

All The People Said Amen
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If not this version of the song done by Matt Maher, look one up and just SIT with Jesus through this hymn and acknowledge your need for Him in this very moment… in EVERY MOMENT!

I love you 1,000 elephants!

Your Rooted and Restless Friend,

Tara