Songs Under a Painted Sky

When my alarm clock went off at 3:15 this morning, I quieted the urge to hurl it at the wall. I have begun practicing for the real world again, and have been getting up at my "usual" time the past three mornings. I sleepily padded to the kitchen in my bare feet and started the coffee before I woke Chuck up.

He and I had our coffee and devotional time together, something I have missed since I’ve been sick. The Bible says one can put a thousand to flight, and two…. ten thousand. There is much power in praying together, so I am glad to have this routine again. After prayer, I cooked breakfast for my beloved husband, and packed his lunch while he ate.

Now it is just past 5am; he has left for work and I have the entire day ahead of me. As soon as it is daylight, I will put on my shoes and take my morning walk. I have continued to add distance every couple of days, and I am reaping the benefits. I am stronger, my endurance is improving and I am closer than ever to resuming my life.

My co-worker Cheri texted me last night to tell me they had a rough day, with each nurse having to take 8 patients. 4 patients is a full day; 8 patients means that corners get cut, nurses get overwhelmed and things might get overlooked. Not good. I feel bad for my co-workers, and I feel bad for the patients, but I have long ago quit feeling guilty. I am doing the best I can do for now. She misses me, she says, and I understand that. She and I share a bond; in a world of chaos and madness we are anchors for one another. She is my biggest fan and my encourager and I am hers. I can only imagine how lonely that workplace has been for her. I texted her back and told her I loved her, and was on track to return October 11. She sent back one word: "YAY!"

Yesterday Summer took me grocery shopping at the mega-grocery store. I have done a couple of brief shopping trips myself  to the neighborhood market but had not yet braved WallyWorld. I wasn’t sure if I could handle all the walking and the volume of groceries by myself, and had visions of melting down in the middle of an aisle,  so Summer  went as my stand-by. $200 and 90 minutes later, we were loading the bags into the back of my car and I felt myself starting to fade.  She texted Tay on the way home and asked if he could meet us at my house and help unload the groceries; by the time we drove into my driveway, there sat Tay on my front steps, and he had brought Sissy with him. They both work at the church, just 5 minutes away, and were more than happy to help.

Sissy directed me to unlock the door and just sit while they carried in all the sacks, so I perched myself on a bar stool while they got to work. Within ten minutes everything was inside, unpacked and neatly put away. How blessed I am to have people who love me and take such good care of me, and I thank God for them daily. I don’t know how I would have managed during this time without their generosity and their willingness to do whatever I needed.

This past  Sunday I asked  the ladies in my class to anoint me with oil and pray specifically for my healing of diabetes. (If you are unfamiliar with this practice, you can read about it in James 5:14.)  The very next morning FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE I’VE BEEN HOME, my blood sugar was below 200, and has continued to stay there.  (Normal fasting blood sugar is between 70-120.) I am doing my part; I am continuing to eat right, to take my medicine and to exercise, but I feel God doing a work in my body; I am believing for total healing and deliverance from diabetes. Please bind your faith with mine for this healing.

I am setting a few goals to accomplish each day and for the most part have been successful. God has been so good to me, and has shown me favor and mercy as He continues to restore me. The sun is coming up now and He is painting the sky for me; I need to take my morning walk while I meditate on His goodness. Thank you, my treasured friends, for all your love and support here; I continue to covet your prayers. Know that I am praying for you as well. May He give you the desires of your heart.