As I was having coffee with friends yesterday, I shared what my chronic illnesses are. One of them is a nursing student and a certified nursing assistant. When I told them, she was surprised and said, “but you don’t act like other people who have it. You seem so positive about life.”
I shared with her that the reason is my prayer life and that I pray each day for Jesus to help me share his love. I told her I also pray for my classes and my students.
Her comment was a wonderful compliment and even more so reflection upon Jesus. He has helped me so much as I live chronic illnesses. Yes, I have difficult days. Yes. fatigue is my constant companion as is pain. But I don’t want to let chronic illnesses defeat me or hold me back.
I love the quote by Charles Swindoll about attitude:
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me is more important than facts. … The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude … I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”
I can’t control when I have a flare up with my chronic illnesses. I can’t control how much pain I will have or how fatigued I will feel day to day. I can’t control waking up thinking I will have energy for the day only to feel wiped out later in the afternoon.
BUT
I can control my attitude and how I react. The best way I have found to keep a good attitude while living with chronic illness is spending time with Jesus through prayer and listening to worship music.
It is not only a morning thing for me. I listen to worship CDs as I drive. I pray during the day even quick prayers are great such as, “Lord help me teach this class.”
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
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