My road back is “Chronic Hope.” I have come to recognize that life for me is all about acknowledging incremental healings and declaring that joy and contentment are essential elements in my life’s journey.
In the Bible, the book of Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul. Throughout the book he declares that His life was filled with trials: many beatings of 39 lashes, five times stoned, shipwrecked three times, beaten with rods three times, and rejected by the very people he was trying to help. He had reasons and excuses to worry and complain, and yet he used this opportunity to encourage us to stand firm and rejoice. I declare that I want my life to be characterized by thanksgiving, gentleness, peace, patience, love, joy, kindness, and goodness.
Paul writes, “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse.” (Philippians 4:8 Message) Mindfulness must not be ignored in my busy, busy life. It is necessary for me to take the time to investigate my emotions, declare that they are real, and understand that they contribute to who I am.
I declare that there is far more good happening in my life than bad. Our trip to Hawaii for two weeks was such a gift at the right time. I was able to gain perspective and appreciation for the beauty that surrounds me every day, not just in Hawaii but also in Colorado. Each sunset and sunrise spoke to me of another chance to celebrate Chronic Hope.
I have recognized seven decades of life here on planet earth. When I was just a kid, I didn’t expect that I would still be biking, skiing, diving, running, and hiking the amount and to the level I am now. I thought that 70 and 80 years olds just knitted, played cards, ate applesauce, watched TV, and rode around in wheelchairs. I acknowledge that there will continue to be opportunities to grow and demonstrate joy in the midst of incremental healing. An essential part of life is taking risks, and IF I fall, or should I say that WHEN I fall, I will get back up and continue to become all that God wants me to become.
I am grateful to Robert and our class for helping me to recognize that my emotions are an essential part of who I am. As I am becoming more acquainted with these feelings, I find that they are not an enemy to be ignored, but instead my friends, who help me to know myself better and even like myself more. These are necessary ingredients in producing a joy-filled life and a future of Chronic Hope.
Patti Burnett 