What plagues you and drags you down? Thoughts from Jesus Calling, migraines, and an extended break from writing

I really still don't have the time to do this, but I have to.  It has been too long.  I didn't post a single post in November and here it is December 18.  This is a record for me.... a record that isn't one I desire.  Yet, it has been necessary.

In November, I did plan to post the two sermons I preached, but I just wasn't able to get to it.  I still plan to post them, so that is something I will work on between classes.

The reason for my absence on my writing portion of my spiritual journey?  It was out of necessity in that I had a project for one class to write and a paper for another.  The project I chose was to write a retreat.  A weekend retreat.  The paper I wrote on was "discermnent".  There was quite a bit of reading I did in preparation.  And I knew that I needed to save my creative writing energy for those two "biggies". 

However, there were many times when I could have used some short processing of life, situations, thoughts, etc.  There have been lots of great things from sermons, conversations, books I've been reading, a contemplative photography site I found, etc. Yet, I couldn't take the time to write about them.  I really didn't even have much time.

My husband had shoulder surgery in the beginning of November.  It was supposed to be primarily to scoop out a bone spur, but the doc worked a tad on the rotator cuff too.  So, the estimated week of being home for recovery turned into a month.  That took some adjusting to schedules and life, but we all made it work.

Then there have been the migraines that have been nearly non-stop since November.  I have had migraines for many years.  I am on anti-migraine medication plus I take migraine medication when they come on.  But at this point, I am starting to be worn down.  Yes, the stress of life and school has been weighing on me, but has it been that strong?  Have not my times of prayer and exercise (taekwondo, yoga, and zumba) been sufficient to rid my body of the stress?!?!  I guess not.

So this morning I pull myself out of bed, get my "Be still and know that I am God" mug with some Café Britt java and read today's Jesus Calling entry.

The very first line read: "WHEN YOU ARE PLAGUED by a persistent problem--one that goes on and on--view it as a rich opportunity."  Really?!?  'A rich opportunity?!?!'  Hmmm.... Well, I'm not so sure I can see these migraines as 'a rich opportunity.'  However, I will keep reading.

"An ongoing problem is like a tutor who is always by your side.  The learning possibilities are limited only by your willingness to be teachable.  In faith, thank Me for your problem.  Ask Me to open your eyes and your heart to all that I am accomplishing through this difficulty.  Once you have become grateful for a problem, it loses its power to drag you down."

I fully realize that I can learn from listening to my body.  And, likely "stress" is an issue.  Yet, it would be ironic, considering that I'm doing less in my life this year than I was last year when I worked part time.... and even less than when I worked full time.  Even with the exercise, I haven't been able to go for a therapeutic massage in a while, so that would be good.  I have read THOUSANDS of pages in a short time period..... that could be a very valid reason my head hurts.  Books for seminary, books for the Academy sessions.  And, simply because my brain gets to a point that it can't stop... one book for relaxation. 

Today I am challenged with being thankful for my migraines and being willing to see them as an opportunity for learning and for listening.  Okay, I accept this challenge.  If I learn that the answer means checking back in with docs, that's cool.  There is always this thought way back in the back of my head when I have headaches like this because of a family history of brain aneurysms.  I did have a brain scan several years back when I was having many migraines and they found nothing in my brain. ☺  A confirmation to many.

For those who have been keeping up with my blog even though I have been M.I.A. (missing in action), THANK YOU!! 

Since I have been challenged today, it is only appropriate that I pass along that challenge to others....

What plagues you and drags you down?  Can you come to the point of being thankful, learning from it and seeing it as an opportunity?

Blessings on your journey,

~Debra

P.S.  If you are interested in looking them up, the Scripture references for today's Jesus Calling are: Isaiah 30:20-21; 2 Corinthians 4:17 (Amplified)