challenges
This negotiator of challenges presented by the degenerative neurological disease called Parkinson’s hit a painful low on the energy scale today. The day began as I became consciously aware of the pain in multiple parts of my body. My legs felt numb while my neck felt stiff and painful and my lower back ached as I with more resistance than usual, reached for the bedcovers I had pulled up close when I returned to bed after a tedious trip to the bathroom nearly five hours before. I stared at the lighted projection of the current temperature and time as it glowed on the white ceiling. The time was about forty-five minutes later than I usually wake from a frequent night of dreams. Achingly and stiffly, I emerged from my sleep position that had not changed over the five hours of segmented sleep. Following my established routine of inserting my feet into the socks I had positioned next to the bed the night before, then carefully placing each leg into the cotton pajamas a I then slowly pulled the long-sleeved comforting shirt over my head and down to my waist. The newly charged I-Watch was taken from its charger and placed into the pajama pocket as I slid my glasses on and took hold of the helpful walker I use to prevent falls during the evening when I move around. The den was my destination with a relieving stop by the bathroom. Gracie the loving and attentive Golden, was waiting at the den’s door to the outside where she could explore any interesting new smells, get a rejuvenating roll in the grass, and eliminate those things needing to be expelled after a night of rest, dreams, and sleep. The walker was placed in its daytime position, and I shuffled in pain toward the kitchen to prepare the dosage of various dopamine combinations consumed daily. The coffeemaker was turned on in anticipation of my daily consumption of caffein in the early morning. A bowl full of a habitual cereal with a few spoonsful of yogurt were put together just before letting Gracie in to consume to food placed in her bowl by the automatic timer. As pain emerged with its ugly presence in my waist and lower back, I intentionally met it with readjustment of my posture that positioned me in an almost overexaggerated way. As I moved in what might be viewed as an awkward way to my welcoming recliner in the den, walking with intent of lifting my feet to avoid shuffling, I placed the cereal bowl and coffee on the lamp stand beside the chair. Thoughts of gratitude are virtually always lifted at that time of quiet consumption of the first nutrients of the day. With the early morning dose of the dopamine supplement already consumed, I also lifted thoughts of thanks for availability, and the ability to ingest what was anticipated as being at least a partial relief of the pain and stiffness induced by the depletion of the biologically constructed neurotransmitter. Recalling the days when I took movement for granted and never questioned the ability to walk across the room or move rapidly in the direction I intended and or needed to go, the temptation to dwell on the “can’t” versus the “can” arose as from a place of grief that I have learned to accept as being normal, but not the whole story of who I am. It is amazing how gratitude and the process of its expression lifts the weight that can so easily be plunged up us by the challenge of what has become the new normal in movement. Gratitude lightens the burden of a heart seeking to thrive!
Chill permeates the space between the walls in the old farm house. Visions of spring flirt with moments of warmth interspersed with the cool expanse of an overcast day. As sunlight reigns longer each day, opportunities for nature’s bounty spring forth and blossom to bear its fruit and feed the birds and bees that rely so heavily upon it. Each morning brings with it seemingly endless challenges accompanied by equally abundant opportunities. The host to Parkinson’s, like the bearer of other chronic and persistent invaders knows too well the challenges of movement, agility, and flexibility that are daily reminders that what we perceive as wellness is so often a gift that is taken for granted. Beside the seemingly rough waters of challenge lies the shore of opportunity upon which possibilities emerge and flourish. Like the trees that thrive along the banks of the stream, opportunities for growth and change draw sustenance from the roots penetrating into the waters of challenge. The challenge of movement presents the opportunity to test the limits and rewards of exercise. The challenge of loss presents the opportunity to appreciate and negotiate a new or different pathway along which new and different outcomes may be experienced. Not every challenge is so easily viewed as an opportunity, but every opportunity when viewed through the prism of gratitude renders a new perspective from which accomplishments may be observed. The canvas comes alive as the artist uses the brush of thankfulness to create new and beautiful works from the tones of challenge and opportunity in the light of gratitude!
As the plane taxied along the runway toward our arrival gate, the anticipation within the cabin was palpable. It seemed everyone was eager to disembark the vessel that had brought us from the chill of winter in North Carolina to the warmth of winter in South Florida. Slowly, row by row each passenger vacated the plane to emerge in a crowded mass of humanity, most of whom were taking with them the memories (fond or otherwise) of the cruise that had just ended. For this limping traveler, the crowd that seemed to not know where it was or where it was going was a challenge through which to navigate. Soon we were descending the escalator to claim bags that contained our possessions for the week ahead. As the crowd seemed to swell I reminded myself that there was much for which to be thankful. Gratitude for the opportunity to travel those hundreds of miles in such a short time and to be brought safely to the destination we had chosen. As I observed others I whispered words of thanks for their safe arrival and expressed silent wishes for their continued safety on their journey. As we met our granddaughter rushing to guide us to the waiting car outside the terminal we were filled with the joy that comes from a heart of gratitude. Thankfulness helps to make every potential challenge an opportunity to discover the blessing that is life!
A cool flow of air creates a comfortable reprieve from the hot and humid weather outside. Sunlight peeks through the cast of clouds holding in the heat and moisture from yesterday. Days filled with activities have given ample opportunities for exercising muscles and building stamina. Just trying to keep up with an eleven year old granddaughter stretches endurance sometimes to the limit for this aging boomer. The newest adventure will be bike riding on the trails by the river. Just a bit more practice for her controlling the bicycle downhill should have us ready for the challenges along the trail. A heart filled with gratitude generates energy for the adventures ahead. We will start slowly and build as we discover our capabilities to tackle the river trail challenges. Thankfulness lines the pathway upon which new adventures are exercised. We will discover the opportunities and the victories on this shared journey.
Guests and co-workers were gathered around the patio table as others were lounging in the comfort of the deck chairs. The hotdogs and hamburgers had just been cooked on the grill as some of the folks were chomping down on their freshly assembled goodies. The sun was bright and the air more humid than any other day this season. As we looked to the northwest, the sky was darkened by the approaching clouds. Anticipating a drizzle at best, we continued our chomping and chattering in the bright light of the noon time sun. Suddenly, a sprinkle began followed by a gust of wind and then the downpour of blowing rain. Each scrambled to secure their meal and retrieve table items from under the covered patio. No one was immune from the rapid spread of torrential rain that ensued. All items secured then on the kitchen table, the group gathered comfortably in the living room with plates in hand and stories of times gone by. The gathering was delightful and the garden got its due. Fellowship and friendship flourished during those grateful moments of sharing, safety, and satiation. An interruption by the weather led to teamwork, accommodation, and the fun of sharing. What might have been viewed as an “awful” interruption by some was embraced as an opportunity for sharing and caring. Gratitude illuminates the view that changes impediments into opportunities.
A morning mist rises from the pond as warm water meets the chill of the spring air. The starry sky from last evening has given way to the glowing bright sun streaking through the eastern sky. Nature is yet again showing her majesty as a reminder that we humans are not in control. Just three days ago, torrents of rain created a deluge soaking the already saturated soil. As this dawn arrived I began my day in prayerful thanks for life and the beauty and challenges that lie therein. Though frustrations sometimes abound this boomer finds reason for celebration of the opportunities to experience them and move forward through them. Difficulty buttoning a shirt or keeping a pace when walking or seemingly throbbing through every heartbeat does slow this youthful minded old codger down. Nevertheless, another day has arrived signaling victory in having lived through the challenges of yesterday and bearing hope for the victory of today. Gratitude truly is the well from which a life of opportunity is drawn each day. May your well never run dry!
Crows caw loudly over the glistening frost laden fields as the last day of the year emerges. The pond reflects the bright glow of the morning sun like a mirror blanketed with a spotlight. Here the year is ending with a sunny but crisply chilly day. The sunshine reminds one of the bright spots during the year now giving way to the new. A migration back to the home of my youth; the acquisition of loving pets; the joy of granddaughter during school breaks; the discovery of a worship fellowship and the opportunity to contribute to a choral team; the marriage of a son to the woman of his dreams; rediscovering the joy of writing and uncovering the reason for a progressive limp are among some of the bright reflections of the year. Only God knows the challenges and victories that lie ahead in the coming year, but in the loving arms of grace each day will be embraced. One can only give thanks for the opportunity that today affords!
Colorful patterned paper waited on the tightly wound tube to be unfurled and wrapped around the rectangular box containing the prized Christmas present. Careful listening and stealth internet shopping had rendered just what was desired under the tree. The first challenge was unrolling the paper from the tube without seeing it roll anew in the other direction. Placing the rectangular container at the edge of the paper seemed to be the answer until sizing of the paper became necessary. The frustration was beginning to build. There had always been nimble fingers and flexible wrists available for this seemingly mundane task when tackled in years gone by. Where nimble digits had previously been at the fore, now slow to move and solidly resistant joints impeded the process. Suddenly, the fingers and movement always taken for granted were demanding intention and forced direction to accomplish the seemingly most menial task. It was as though I suddenly was faced with wrapping presents with my toes. As the irrationally impatient perpetrator of the packaging process became more frustrated, a distracting thought invaded. What if the aging process were reversed? What if youngsters were inundated with regressively bothersome diseases, so that as one ages, the impediments disappear and the old experienced codgers become more supple, limber, agile, and quick? All the “logical” reasons why came flooding in my mind, but not until the frustration of the hand at task had completed its intended labor. A seeming impediment had been met with a momentary distraction that ushered the task to completion. A moment of reflection ignited a time of thankfulness that the task indeed was complete and now could be lovingly (if not patiently) placed beneath the tree.
Gently crackling in the heat of the olive oil the freshly chopped onions and celery took on their respective translucent and pale green color. The diced leftovers from the previous week along with beef and chicken stock renderings were waiting to be added. A few special spices and additives had taken their place early in the preparation. Now the “Baffi soup” would soon be ready for consumption. With the smell and taste came fond memories, both distant and near. Distant were the days as the kids were growing up when we enjoyed our almost weekly weekend soup medley during a warm family dinner. Near were the memories of the past week when each meal was lovingly constructed as an artist applying his color to the once blank canvass. Absent in all those memories were the moments of challenge with stiffness or tremor. This mirror of the week and years gone by reflects more delight than dismay. Though challenged more than once, the victory over them is the blanket of memories of which they are only a minor part. I am grateful for the opportunity to construct the “Baffi soup” of life and savor its new flavor from things past.
Gusts of wind are howling through the autumn hued trees taking with them nature’s kaleidoscope. The season is changing and the weather is its witness. The swing between cold and warm, rain and shine, gives evidence that fall is progressing with winter close behind. It has been fifteen years since I last witnessed an autumnal season change and unlike memories of childhood, this experience is invigorating. The quiet of the country only magnifies the sound of wind rustling over the tin clad roof in these moments before daybreak. These moments of quiet meditation and reflection nourish prayers of thankfulness for the opportunities that lie ahead and for the victories and challenges already won. The discovery that life is greater than a single event opens doors to a whole new vista wherein mountains and valleys may be seen as essential elements on life’s canvas. Challenges become opportunities and victories become learning points waiting to be unwrapped as one of the gifts of life. Even failures are tempered as they are placed within the context of life’s eternal narrative. Today is God’s offering of grace. I am learning more about what it means to share His gifts out of an overflow of thankfulness that He is God and I am not! “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24 NKJV