It has been a while since I have written in my blog. I could make excuses and say it is because I have been super busy, or traveling, or working. But the fact is I have been struggling just to keep my head above water. Have you ever been there?

This year has been filled with multiple health challenges for me and it is starting to take a toll on how I think, what I do, and what I don’t do. So many of my plans and goals for this year have taken a back seat to dealing with physical issues. Since the end of February, I have had ER visits, a hospitalization, CT scans, tests, a biopsy and multiple x-rays—all of it is more than I care to think about. Some of the things were serious bumps in the road, and others just little annoyances. I feel like my life has been consumed by them and I am just now starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. In the meantime, my blog has taken a back seat.

But the thing is, I have learned some valuable lessons along the way. The first one I knew–God is in control and he is good–but I had it reiterated over and over again. No matter how much we think we have it all together, life sometimes gives us curve balls, and the one constant is God. Putting your trust in God during scary diagnoses and unknown territory isn’t always easy—but it is always worth it.

The next thing I learned (and really have always known) is that support of family and friends is important. Although my son did tell me if he was going to be taking me to the ER all the time, I would need to move closer to him, he was willing to go the extra mile for me. My daughter sat with me while talking to the doctor about a potential negative diagnosis (luckily, while it is something rare, it is not life-threatening and didn’t involve chemo!). A good friend has taken me to Urgent Care more than once, and I am extremely grateful that God has put her in my life.

I also learned that I need to take better control of my health. Last year I was able to go off my diabetic medications which is a win, but this year I need to eat even healthier and exercise more! Sounds like a new year resolution, doesn’t it? But seriously, I think God expects us to use common sense and avail ourselves of the resources he gives us.

Like many people with chronic illness, it is easy to dwell on my problems, rather than my blessings. I have always known that if you think more about God and others, and less about yourself, your outlook changes for the better.

So, I think I am on the upswing here, and hopefully, you will see more frequent posts from me in the future. And they won’t involve all of my physical complaints, but instead will focus on how good the Lord is! He truly is, isn’t he?

The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. Psalm 145:9