I was reading in a book entitled “The Good and Beautiful God” by James Bryan Smith this morning and it hit me, something entirely new about Thanksgiving. The spirit of thanksgiving is vital for our battle with Lyme or any other chronic illness. I know that deep down but sometimes in the darkest days it is hard to see something to be thankful for.
The author of the book was talking about looking at ink blots on white pieces of paper. He points out that we focus on the ink blot instead of how much white paper is showing despite the ink blot.
We all have ink blots, some self inflicted and this Lyme thing, just landed there arbitrarily, but what about how much white paper is still showing?
How long would the list be if you could be thankful for all the white space in your life?
Some of you spent last week barely able to stand or get out of bed. There was no stuffing on your plate or pie for dessert – you are still not eating much of anything. There was no celebrating around your table because the financial burden this disease has taken kept you from traveling to family.
I get it. So change your focus. Reframe the picture. Sometimes we frame our blessings in the same view as the rest of the world or our old lives. We cannot anymore. Don’t look at what you didn’t have this Thanksgiving. Look at what you do have. Don’t compare to other’s holiday experiences and for the love of Pete – don’t graze Facebook until you have a pity party that goes on all night.
What did you have this year that you haven’t lost? What do you have that you didn’t last year? Who is in your life that you appreciate?
Sometimes even in my own struggles and almost healed existence I can get caught up in the comparing instead of the refocusing. Make memorials and journal your gains and good times so you don’t chalk up a whole year to YUCK….write down the belly laughs and sweet times and cherished friendships and miraculous provision. Mark it all down because there will be days and long nights that list will be a life jacket to keep you from drowning.
Your list might be different and short or long – write a thankful list no matter how bizarre or simple. Its important for your re-focusing.
Eyesight, I am thankful for eyesight. It wasn’t always this way since it was greatly disturbed for over 2 years from the Lyme. But I am extremely thankful for my eyesight. It was part of my white space before Lyme, but I don’t ever remember being thankful for it then, but I sure am now.
Energy, I am thankful for a return of energy. You never know how much you need to accomplish even the simple tasks of life until you have hardly any. Can you get out of bed even for a few minutes or hours each day? Be thankful for each day and each hour used.
Brain function, I am extremely thankful for my brain fog leaving and the ability to process information. I might not still have all my short term memory back and have holes in my long term memory – but I can think again.
I am thankful for a roof over my head, the earth spinning to create the seasons, and the simple act of provision that allows us to have fresh eggs from our chickens and the money to buy organic produce to feed the family. I am thankful for lasting friendships and doctors who know what they are doing.
Blessings and healing,
Janice Fairbairn – The Lyme Evangelist
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