I had a cortisone shot yesterday. I’ve been nursing a bad knee and hip since I was released from the hospital in November 2022. I was only allowed a shot in the knee, because I have to make a separate appointment for other body parts. Well, I was amused by that, thinking you have to have a separate appointment for each body part? I’d be returning every other week! Anyway, I was happily surprised to have almost instant results. I was able to sleep almost through the night for the first time in a long time. I woke up at about 4 AM and my mind was swimming. Dreams often make way for creative expression, so I usually pay attention.
I was dreaming about my marriage and all the turmoil we’ve been through the last recent years. I reverted to my memory bank to discover we have had a very interesting marriage, but when we go through trials, we often change the way we become as human beings. Paul and I have known each other since we were 13 years old. That’s 63 years, if my old Math serves me. For each step of our relationship, we’ve managed to find humor in almost every situation. Now, the situations aren’t as funny anymore. I used to think it would be so romantic to grow old together. I didn’t realize these new struggles could lack anything humorous, but I realize that the minute I let that happen, my joy gets sucked out of me. I decided to talk to God about that very thing. So, I spent the next couple hours praying about it. The prayer reminded me that I can talk to God anytime. Jesus made that possible with the price he paid for our salvation. I can open my heart to Him, because He knows what I’m going through. He has the blueprint of my life right in front of Him. He created the plan and supplements or takes away as He sees fit. In other words, He’s in control.
Those thoughts kept me awake for a couple hours. Like I said, we’ve always seemed to find humor even in the difficult times. When you’ve endured a three-year pandemic along with a yearlong struggle with health issues for both of us, I realized that this is our new normal — so we have to make the best of it. Our struggles are no worse than anyone else’s so we should be grateful for them. I went back to sleep feeling somewhat relieved – maybe it was the shot, but I think it was that conversation I had with my Creator. He knows what we need to put the frolicking back into our lives. He really sets the record straight and helps us find our joy again. When you need an attitude adjustment, turn to the One who is a master at it.
“To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing.”
Martin Luther
atimetoshare.me 
We’re going through it ourselves.
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I will pray for you both. Aging is a fact of life. Humor is too. We have to hang onto our joy no matter how difficult things get, because God is always available to us.
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Thank you for the honest post. I think the stress and rough spots narrow our perception. Praying expands our view.
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i love that perspective.
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My husband and I are there as well….I’ll pray for you, you pray for me, and with the help of Jesus, it will be better in 2023!
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I will definitely do so. God is good and his p
lans are always for our benefit.
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My precious Mama K. I talk to God on your behalf daily. My Mom has been very sick. She “surrendered” and allowed family to take her to urgent care and Dad has his lung biopsy (no results yet). You and Paul inspire me. I share about you both to my parents. I’m
Going to save this post as an encouragement to my Mom. I’m so glad the shot helped. Each day brings battles and I don’t know where we’d be without Christ and his power! I take it to him daily! I’m so glad I could jump on here and read this at this moment. I closed on my house and we are expecting 8 inches of snow. My friends can’t help me move until weekend. Until then, I try and talk to my parents and love and encourage them as I do you and Paul. Know you’re in my heart and prayers daily. I love you precious, Mama K. 💕🙏🏻
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Awww thanks for taking time to write, I know this is a stressful time for you and your family, but we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus. It’s so good to have prayer time with him when we need him so desperately. I’m praying that your move goes smoothly and that being close to home will help you and your family get through what lays ahead. God’s plan is always good and for our benefit. Love you, dear child. Love Mama K
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Amen!! You’re so welcome 🥰❤️ I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know. It’s a busy time. And your words of wisdom I hold dear in my heart! 💕
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I have lost many in my life at a young age and someone said to me yesterday, regardless of the aches, pains, illness and relationship issues of aging, God is still giving us precious time together on earth….that it is truly a blessing to others. That also includes your writing and art.
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Thank you Karla. We all need to find joy again, especially when we get older. The world is full of pain, fear, anxiety, hatred and so much more. Thankfully Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world.
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Great Post. Especially. re: prayer. Thanks for the blessing.
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Thanks for your affirmation 😄
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As Luther’s message reminds us, prayer remains an integral part of a Christian’s daily fabric. Blessings to you and Paul. God’s love continues to fill your lives with joy.
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