Chances are we're all familiar with the concept of "making the best out of a bad situation." But does anyone truly understand that as much as someone who has had to rearrange their life due to a debilitating chronic illness? I don't think so.

But the fact remains, it IS ultimately up to us to "be content, whatever [our] circumstance" (like Paul says in Philippians 4:11). Which, honestly, can be a lot easier said than done. But it is possible

Exhibit 1 (of countless other examples I could use): today, September 14, 2013.

Last year, I attended the Beth Moore Living Proof Live simulcast as it was streaming at a local church. It was an all-day event and it was truly amazing (after all, it was Beth Moore--do I need to say anything else? It's impossible to not get blessed and spiritually recharged!). During the simulcast last year, she announced this year's event was going to be held in Charleston, WV, a mere 1hr-15min drive away! You better believe that right then and there I decided I was going to Charleston no matter what.

Well, today is the day of the Living Proof Live event and obviously I am unable to make the trip due to my new constant companion, Lyme and co. And not only that, but I don't even have the ability to drive 5 minutes away to the church in town that held the event last year, nor would I have the ability to sit in the sanctuary from 9:30-5:00 for the entire event, no matter how spiritually awesome it is. Understandably I have been completely bummed about the whole circumstance.

But wait! Day before yesterday I came across a link where I could pay a small fee on the Lifeway website and gain access to the simulcast and materials RIGHT HERE AT HOME! You better believe I immediately did so, and will be attending the event (in spirit) from right here in my bed, on my iPad. Technology is great sometimes!

While a year ago this is not at all what I had hoped would be going on today, I refuse to lose sight of the fact that I AM able to have this experience even when I can't leave the house and that is a true blessing from God.

So yes, there is a lot of truth when I say I want to be like Paul--and I'd like to think I have taken a few baby steps to partially achieve his attitude (although I am a long, long, long, LONG way from it still, and probably always will be)--because on days like today, when it would be super easy to dwell on the "can't dos" that I'm facing, I choose to be content in my circumstance because, while difficult, God is still sovereign and still takes care of His children and continually blessed me in ways I can't even comprehend or understand.

I hope all of you have a great day!

And, oh yeah UK vs UofL football today....C-A-T-S! Cats! Cats! Cats!!

Xoxo
Becca

Just a note to say I will update with info about my appointment a couple days ago in NYC when I'm able to type it all out. For now, though, I wanted to share a poem I wrote while we were in the city yesterday. I thought of the first 2 lines in a moment where I was frustrated of all the waiting we have to do in this Lyme war, and then once I thought those lines (not initially intending for a poem to be born) I knew I had to whip out my journal and write, write write. It should be noted that I do not think all doctors are bad--I have had several good doctors throughout my life--not was this directed at any particular doctor--it was just a culmination of the frustration I was feeling that we've all felt while waiting to get our lives back

I am a patient

I am a patient
but I am not patient.
I was patient far too long--
patience never worked to my benefit--
because I am a patient.

I am a patient
who is sick and tired of
being told I'm not sick and tired
when half the reason I'm sick and tired
is because I was patient.

I am a patient
who has been exhaustively quiet,
accepting your words because you wear a white coat
and have letters after your name
and speak loud words in a big voice.

I am a patient
who is not sitting by any longer,
waiting and wishing you'll have an answer.
That would be patient--
but I am not patient.

I am a patient
with rights, an opinion, and the ability
to think for myself and know how I feel.
You have the knowledge but I have experience
because I am a patient.

I am a patient--
a persevering patient--
who will not stop searching
until the right answer is found and course marked--
maybe then I'll be patient.

Because after that happens, I won't be a patient.