Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!
Some of you may remember Gomer Pyle, the simple-minded gas station attendant on The Andy Griffith Show and Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. back in the 1960’s. He was often awestruck by the simplest of things, resulting in the exclamation of his catchphrases, “Shazam!”, “Gaaw-aawl-ly” and “Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!”
The later catch phrase is how I have felt over the past 25 years living with chronic illness. Most illnesses come at a person when they least expect it bringing many unwanted and unexpected surprises.
There are a few surprises that have pleasantly surprised my family and I. For years I had been a person who was always busy ‘doing’ I worked full-time outside the home, involved in various ministries, wife, mother, and homemaker. I took care of everyone but me, and it finally caught up with me over the years.
Six years ago, my life as I knew it came to a complete halt! It was as though my body said, “You didn’t take the numerous hints I gave you over the years, so I quit!” Between the pain, multiple infections, brain fog, fatigue and depression etc., I was at a complete stand still in all aspects of my life. Even a simple conversation was difficult. Praying and reading my bible became a chore. Through sheer desperation, I cried out to God, “I give up! I no longer have the strength to live.” The still small voice of the Lord whispered; “Now I finally have your attention! It’s not in your strength, but Mine!”
I relinquished my will – and yielded to God’s will for my life. I chose to live each day to its fullest – to live simply, love deeply, and laugh often. If this means all I do today is sit and listen as my daughter shares her day with me, then that is God’s will for my life today. I am making a conscious effort not to let things get to me. If it doesn’t get done today, there is always tomorrow or the next day.
“Since I know it is all for Christ’s good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:10 (NLT)
What a difference this has made in my life as well as in the life of my family. Imagine their surprise as I became content with my life and in return became a happier person to be around.
“But now that you’ve found you don’t have to listen to sin tell you what to do, and have discovered the delight of listening to God telling you, what a surprise! A whole, healed, put-together life right now, with more and more of life on the way!” Romans 6:22 (The Message Bible)
The other week as my family was together, we were describing each other using one word. When it came to me, my 14 year old grandson said, “Funny”, my son-in-law said, “Crazy”, my sweet daughter said, “Loving”, and my very supportive husband – just smiled and laughed!
Chronic illness has brought many surprises to my life and my family’s; but the best surprise of all is that I have become a joyful, mellow, playful, thankful, giving, loving, wife, mother, grandmother and most of all faithful child of our merciful God!
It’s not how many times we go to church, how many ministries we are involved in, or how busy we are for God…. Whether we have a chronic illness or not – the answer to a blessed, joyful, Christian life is the following:
“Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.“ 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)
“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11 (NKJV)
What surprises has chronic illness brought to your life or a family member’s life that you would like to share with us?
http://michele-risingabove.blogspot.com
What Is Chronic Illness? One in two Americans currently suffer from a form of chronic disease. Learn what it is, and what you can do if you or a loved one is suffering from a chronic illness. What Is Chronic Illness? You can find a Definition and Explanation of Chronic Disease here.
Wonderful and touching post. Thank you for sharing your heart!
Please know I am praying for you to always have this mind set, and joy in your heart and in your daily life routines.
Thank you for sharing your heart and wisdom with us Michele. You are right – sometimes we have to hit the bottom to realize that we need Him to give us the strength…
Michele
Thanks for sharing. I love the Gomer comparison. You hit the nail on the head. I live chronic illness also. I am so glad that we have a Savior who is strong when we are weak.and that we can be strong in Him.
Lately I’ve been writing about my divorce, but I also live with an incurable, painful neurological disease. This post helped me a lot. Allison
You are a blessing just by being you! Thank you for sharing! Great great post, I’m sure it will touch many.
Wonderful post my friend, love you.
I suffered with migraines all my life. The lesson for me was that in my weakness He is strong. It really is in my “who” and not my “do”.
Thanks, Michelle!
Mary
That is so inspiring. I am so glad you are happy and joyful! What a blessing it is to be this way. I feel the same way for this has been the best year of my life too.
Great post, sis! I love you bunches….even if you did ‘borrow’ my life motto! lol
I love your attitude of worship – even in times of chronic illness you are serving the Lord to the best of your ability. I love that!
Thank you for the wonderful devotion, you are an inspiration.
What a beautiful post. My mother in law had rheumatoid arthritis and COPD; she still managed to wring every ounce of joy out of life up to the end (she was in her 80’s when she left us for a better place). Circumstances may not always be a choice, but attitude is. Blessings!