Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Weathering Rheumatoid Arthritis


I love brisk frosty mornings. They seem to make you step brighter. I feel like I can do anything on a day that begins that way.

I love cool crispy evenings when you can wear soft fuzzy socks. They say comfort is possible; the world is a cozy place.

I love wind. And clouds. They speak of movement, freedom, transformation.

I love all kinds of storms because they are unpredictable and strong. They remind me that the world is powerful and thrilling.

Snow is one of my favorite things on the earth. Snowflakes are evidence that God delights in making us each unique. And that He renews all things; a little coat of snow makes the world entirely new!

It’s funny how anything – even the weather – can influence our attitude. We have expectations, whatever they are, and we are disappointed when they are not met: Rainouts are disturbing.

And a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be seen as an immense rainout.

What we need is a plan to weather the storm. What will we do if things get worse? How will we endure living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for a few more decades?

It is one thing to tolerate bad circumstances. We have all had a time when we had to “stick it out.” That is resignation.

But, it is another thing to actually persevere. That is to continue on with an attitude of persistence and resilience. That is the spirit of survival that is so prevalent in the breast cancer awareness movement.

It is toughness, but it is more than that. What I am describing is buoyancy. Weather buoys are built to weather the weather. Yes, they are bounced around, but they still send out signals defiantly. Our goal is to be like that.

My best friend is always reminding me, “You are the beach ball.” Yes, I get pushed under, but I am buoyant. So I push back up. You do get wet in the storm, but you are not shipwrecked. You don’t stay down.

As RA-ers, most of our days are filled with difficulties. Sometimes, we find shelter in God’s love. Other times, we huddle together and weather the weather with one another.

Nevertheless, I am praying for lots more of those days that I call “no weather” days. You know the kind of day? You can do whatever you feel like doing and you don’t sweat it.

There is no season such delight can bring
As summer, autumn, winter and the spring. ~William Browne

6 comments:

MissDazey said...

I love warm weather, never have liked the cold. Nice post, very cheerful.

Kelly Young said...

Thank you for your encouragement. :D

Noelle said...

Yes! I can visualize this! I must remember to remain buoyant and to persevere. Thank you, Kelly.

marykhris said...

What a beautiful way to say it! and so you, too.
And the border looks kinda like lace,cool. 8)

Jack said...

Very nice, upbeat post. Continued good luck to you, and for some additional perspective and inspiration, I invite you to check out this short video -- ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/5495 -- about the “aha moment” of a woman with RA that changed her outlook on life. I think you’ll enjoy it and hope you’ll also check out the rest of the site, which was created by Mutual of Omaha to highlight inspirational stories, good works, and “aha moments” of all kinds.

Best,
jack@ahamoment.com

Kelly Young said...

Thanks Jack,
I like how she said her faith helped her to "weather" it all!
She has a lovely grateful attitude.