Reflection

I hope that this finds you all staying well and that you are finding things to occupy your time with during this stay at home period. One of the things I have been doing is some self reflection. So much has happened over the past year and a half and I am looking back over it and seeing all of the ways that God showed up and how His faithfulness shone through even in the more difficult times.

It has been exactly one year since I had my hysterectomy. The recovery process from that took much longer than I had anticipated, but even on the hardest days when I couldn’t find much strength to push through, God was there. He showed up in the hands and feet and words of encouragement from friends. In the worship songs that played. In the sermons that were preached at church. In the words that I would read in the Bible. In the doctors that treated me and prayed with me through it all. And in the sleepless nights, I could sense His presence.

Almost exactly seven months after that surgery, I ended up having to go in for a second surgery in which my last ovary was removed. I had an enormous peace that day that I can only attribute to my God. I will admit, I had mixed feelings about the recovery of yet another surgery that soon, but let me tell you, GOD showed up! My recovery was smooth and quick. So much more than my previous one. So thankful. I know that was an answer to the many prayers prayed by many people that day. On a side note: I’d like to say a big thank you to all of those that walked with me through this past year’s journey and continue to walk with me.

Do I still struggle with depression and anxiety? Yes. Do I still have some healing to do? Yes. Do I have new challenges with balancing my hormones without my ovaries? Yes. Do I trust that God will never leave me or forsake me and that He goes before me and walks right beside me? YES!! Emphatically YES!! I know that no matter what, He is with me and because of His faithfulness in my past, I can trust Him no matter what. He is in control.

I encourage you, my friends, to spend some time reflecting during this quarantine period. We don’t necessarily have the busy-ness of our “normal” lives to distract us, so now is a good time to look back and see all of the places that God showed up for us. How He was right there during times of sadness and times of joy. How He provided for you and me, no matter what was going on. Remember His faithfulness. He loves you so much and loves showing up for you. Put your trust in Him during these times. Put your future in His hands. He has a beautiful plan for your life.

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8