Embrace Your Current Reality
Most of us know complete exhaustion melts a a man or woman down. Add to that exhaustion extreme pain and you’re going to have one devastated person. That’s what has collided with me of recent. I’ve gone an entire week with half the sleep this broken body requires for survival. This madness has only fueled my extreme aches and pains.
After nearly 5 1/2 hours sleep I realize just how much this combo has been my downfall. Just a little rest has lifted my spirit and reminded me how critical restful relief is for us all. I’ve also been reminded that I must keep listening to my body and learning from days go by. I am where I am at this time. I must respect my condition and accept my limitations.
One, I must do whatever it takes to get at least 8 hours sleep per day. This requires me going to bed consistently the same time every night. I have to put myself to bed like a much older man. It doesn’t matter what everyone else does or does not do. This is the life approach I must take to give myself the best fighting chance to thrive.
Two, I can’t operate intensely more than five hours per day. As a pastor I can easily spend night and day helping folks. Why? Because I care deeply about people and I pray that never changes. However, my current condition demands boundaries and I will do whatever necessary to be as healthy as possible.
Three, I can no longer live in denial. I have a major nerve condition that affects my entire life. It’s time for this truth to not just be in my mind, but be received in my heart. I must operate based on my new normal and quit comparing things to my old normal. It’s time to make all necessary disciplines a lifestyle change. Not just things I implement sometimes, but practice all the time.
Long trips generally won’t happen without a designated driver. Warning signs from my body will no longer be ignored. Physical therapy and self care will not be an afterthought. Apologizing for taking care of my health must cease. Getting too involved in multiple civilian affairs must be kept in check. Too much crisis intervention has proven time and time again to be my kryptonite. I will do what’s best for me which I believe will be best for others. Everyone may not understand my decisions, but all that matters is what God thinks.
Health issues impose their will upon everyone at some point. We might not like what the doctor reveals, but we can’t deny the facts. We have to do whatever it takes to make healthy choices. We can’t live in denial and just pray everything works out. We must do all that we can while trusting God to do all that we can’t. This will lead us towards being healthier physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and spiritually. I certainly plan to practice everything I preach to others. Now let me go back to sleep.
“You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial.” 1 Corinthians 10:23
Pastor Craig Crosby 