I know, I know! How well I know! It can be difficult to imagine that life with chronic illness is beautiful. Those of you living the life, you understand what I’m saying. Those who aren’t, well, I’ll spare you the sometimes ugly details! Suffice to say that secular society’s idea of beauty isn’t exactly what I’m referring to when I say, “Yes, there are beautiful things about life with chronic illness.”

The beauty within a life of health challenges goes far beyond the superficial, all the way down to the core of the word that is both simple and profound: life.  The mysterious existence we have despite physical impediments that otherwise should make us curl up into a ball, the lovely moments when we put our face to the window and see the world outside, the way God’s handiwork is visible everywhere. These and other things are the beautiful aspects to our lives -yes, they are! And the more we appreciate them, and the other seemingly small things – an uplifting chat from friends, a mountain moved by a stranger (say, when we’re hoping for an earlier doc appointment). God’s grace that lifts us up when we’re most down. Yes, these things are beautiful, no matter who we appear physically.

Yes, life with illness is hard and demanding. Yes, it brings pain and loss and obstacles when we least have the energy to surmount them.

But, the beautiful thing about life is that it is a gift, from God, and that it dwells and is in us. And with it, we can enjoy the blessings that come, yes, with living and walking in faith.

Peace,

Maureen