It’s Snowing…What Does that Mean for You?

It’s a Monday morning and I woke up to see snow on the ground.  Last night’s weather report had said that we’d have some moisture between midnight and 4am, but it was still snowing at 6:30am.  As I sit here and write this post it’s still snowing.  So why am I giving you the meteorology report for the state of Colorado?  Because the weather is an inconvenience.  It’s annoying because it means the roads will be slippery, the people driving on the road will be a bit more stupid than usual and when the wind blows the snow gets in my face; it’s wet and cold.

Those facing a chronic illness are continuously in the midst of their own surprise snow.  It’s those small inconveniences that happen to those of us facing a chronic illness every day that can feel like a continuous uphill battle.  It gets in the way of the plans you may have for any given day.  It may put a cramp in your style, and depending on the level of inconvenience may need to create a change in plans.

Just like the snow maybe you’ll have to be a bit more careful how you walk up and down the stairs or how you get in or out of the car.  It’s possible that you may have to change your schedule giving yourself more time to engage in any particular activity.  You may feel warmer or colder depending on how your personal thermostat is working on any given day and the side effects of your medication.  These are just a few of the inconveniences those facing a chronic illness have to endure.  The trouble with this idea is that we’re not talking about a cold that we get over in 7-10 days; it’s a lot more complicated and involved.

We have to become masters at flexibility.  We have to have the patience of the Saints.  We have to have the endurance to make it not only through this particular inconvenience, but all those to come.  We have to commit to a treatment plan that may outlast many of your relationships/marriages.  It’s a complex issue, but those of us facing a chronic illness, after a bit of time, understand that this is the “new” normal.  We have been drafted to serve the body in a way we never could have imagined and my hope is that we serve with honor.

How will you serve today?  Will you allow the inconveniences destroy your mood or the joy you may have the opportunity to experience?  How will you cope with your snow?