Rainbows In The Storm

"I know my storms are not over, but I also know that my God is faithful. With every storm, there will be a rainbow. What an awesome God we serve! Just when we think we have had all we can stand, the clouds break and the sun shines through. It's as if God is sending us a hug, to encourage, strengthen, and bless us on our journey."
(30 Days of Hope for Strength in Chronic Illness by Elizabeth Evans )

How fitting this quote is! As I was riding down the road, with my kids in the back and my dad driving, I came across these words in the book I was reading. I stopped and reread the quote to myself, taking it all in, before I shared what I had read out loud. 

God is Great! God has so much Love and Grace for each of us, every single day! Life is not perfect for any of us, some roads are trickier and bumpier than others, but we all have obstacles that we will face. I feel like I've been through the ringer physically, emotionally I have been pained, and mentally I have been exhausted. But through all of this, no matter how it feels at the moment, deep down I know that I am not alone! God is with me every single step along the way. I may overly doubt myself and mistrust others, but God is loyal, loving, dependable, and constant. 

The devil tries his damnest to bring me down, to help me cast negative judgements against myself, and attempts to make me feel like I'm running solo down a path of pain, sickness, and heartache. 

But GOD is UNSTOPPABLE. HE pulls me through time and time again. 

The past couple of weeks my fear about an upcoming trip was becoming louder and louder, almost causing me to freeze and cancel. I wasn't expecting to feel "well" for the trip, but became fearful that it was going to be too much on my body. My husband tried to warn me, make me rethink my decision. But I held steadfast. I put my Faith and Trust in God that the trip would be not only memorable, but positively treasured. Physically, I was expecting to have my normal symptoms and illness related restrictions and challenges, but mentally and emotionally, I needed and wanted this trip. 

You see, this was the first vacation that I would be partially sharing with my children, my dad, my brother, his wife, and my adorable little nephews. I, personally, have never been on vacation with my nephews, who are 4 and 6. The weather was perfect with nice breezes and little/no humidity. My family was so accepting and mindful of my personal needs. Early on we saw how easily my body would give out on me as we walked from the parking lot to the museum. But my family didn't let it bother them at all, which kept me feeling comfortable and at ease. My afternoon and evenings were spent at the hotel running fluids and relaxing, while they did other things together - such as swimming or walking around the town. My dad and son even went on a ghost walk together. My kids stayed up late with me to make sure I didn't fall asleep while running my IV fluids since my PICC line wasn't cooperating at all! When I was out with them, I was in a wheelchair/scooter, kept in the shade, or sitting in the AC of the car while they explored some of the sites we stopped at. No pressure, no judgements, and no expectations were placed on my body or me. I was truly able to enjoy and live in the moment, carefree of what anyone other than my family and me thought.

We had fun! My nephew took charge of pushing me in the wheelchair as he enjoyed it so much! Must admit, he made the ride very interesting. The sickness I experienced was typical, the recovery period a little more than expected, but the experience of this vacation was oh so worthwhile! We all enjoyed the vacation and the memories from it will most definitely remain for a lifetime!

I believe that God knew I was in desperate need of some encouragement and motivation, so HE ensured that a comforting "rainbow" was sent to me during the "storm" in the form of a wonderful vacation. My body may take time to refresh, but, emotionally my heart and mind was rewarded.