An unwelcomed alarm rang as this winter inhabitant lay deep in sleep beneath the warm confines of the sheets and cover. A slow moan of protest served only as a prompter to arise from the fetal position as feet were inserted into the waiting slippers. A tug at the ready sweatshirt pulling it over head and torso preceded a stumble to the door commanding the dog to get her business done. With every movement a near calamity met with resistance and aches, this day had the beginnings of a challenge. The stirring of wood embers remaining from last evening’s fire served as the ignition for the new log gently inserted in the mouth of the old stove. Morning medication consumed, the waiting was now on for the chill to be taken from the air in the old farmhouse. Movements once taken for granted with speed and dexterity today seemed painfully intentional and resistant. Determination set in and a trip to the gym soon ensued. As fuel to frustration the roads were crowded and the gymnasium was packed with slow moving, texting and gawking time killers. Reason said I had no deadlines to meet but temperament said “get out of my way.” Recalling my own advice, I went to a place of prayer in which thanks and gratitude were expressed. I found some relief, but my mood and stiffness of movement remained as instigators of further unrest. Each chore of the day has seemingly taken on a unique challenge of its own. I continue to utter words and thoughts of thankfulness in faith that “this too shall pass.” Without the rough spots we wouldn’t know what the smooth spots were like!
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