As I've gotten older I have had occasion to pause and consider life and where I am on my journey. While my journey has had its share of challenges and obstacles through the years I can truthfully say I am blessed!
Throughout the years I have had a good number of physical issues. These issues date back to my late 20's. I have had back issues with one doctor telling me rheumatoid arthritis in my spine will have me wheelchair bound by the time I am 35. By God's grace I have never been wheelchair bound. That is not to say I don't have back issues. However, I rely on His grace and strength.
I seems every time I enter a new decade age-wise, something else comes up. It was my back and ankle in my 30's. In my 40's I sustained a head injury and concussion that resulted in me having partial petite seizures. I would just zone out without notice. I called it going to "Ray's world". I was on so much anti-seizure medication that I felt like a zombie. The neurologist tried a number of medications and different combinations of medications to get these seizures under control. At one point I was taking a handful of anti-seizure medications. We prayed and we believed for healing and eventually healing came!
The next thing I battled with, and still do, is migraine headaches. At the present time these are controlled through medication.
In my late 40's I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Anyone who knows me knows I have very poor eating habits. I'm also not a very good patient so I don't monitor this like I should.
In my 50's I started having trouble with my knees, my left knee in particular. I found out last year I have bone on bone in my left knee. I was told eventually I will have to have a knee replacement. On top of that, I have osteoarthritis in both knees.
In addition to the aforementioned, I have battled with carpal tunnel for many years. This is aggravated by typing and even playing bass guitar.
I don't share these things looking for sympathy by any means. I know there are those in worse shape than me. My intent in sharing this is to share my determination to make the most of each day I have.
Like many, I have good days and better days. I won't accept that I have bad days. Any day I wake up and can get up is a good day. Some days I actually feel good and those are better days.
Each day belongs to the Lord. I have determined to make the best of each day. I want to do something I enjoy each day whether it's sitting on the swing with Cindy, relaxing in my recliner, watching a favorite tv show, blogging or going somewhere to sing. I want to make the best of the time God has allotted me. I want to make the time I have count.
I have a fantastic wife, a wonderful family, a good job that I enjoy and have need nor want for anything . As I stated earlier, I am blessed. God is good.
No matter what you are facing I encourage you to determine to make the best of each day.
Until next time...enjoy the journey!
Ray
