A Year of Discontent?

I sat down today to review this Blog site, hoping to gain some insights for good from what was a rough year for me, physically.  I am old enough and smart enough to realize that often we gain our greatest strength from seemingly insurmountable events in our lives.  Looking back on my husband's heart attack in 2006, our retirement from active pastoral ministry in 2001, my diabetes diagnosis in 2008, losing my mom in 1995 and all of my 5 sisters in the following 20 years - I know I wrote a lot on Facebook during those times, and detailed God's presence and help - but it looks like there is lots more to tell as 2018 is in full swing.  My daily Journals are pretty complete but 2017 is surprisingly missing as far as blogs are concerned. 

I know it started out with a nighttime reminder from God to love my children and others unconditionally, just as He loves me. I got new curls in January, too, and a new bathroom tile and shower walls,  and Mr. Trump was certified President by the Electoral College in answer to  prayer, I believe.  So it began well and February was just as full of praise, but March is where the first, "I'm not feeling well today" appeared.  It turned out to be a sinus infection that would not be cleared up until at least June!  By that time I had heart problems, a trip to the Black Hills for a wedding, my first attack of vertigo when we returned, a complete heart work-up in July,  and a Journal chock-full of praise through it all!  Re-reading the Psalms sure helped those months, of course... 

August continued with the horrible allergy season and added teeth problems, which were finally fixed in January 2018, lots more dizziness problems, blood pressure issues, AND the fullest Journal in years because of all the wonderful things God did during the last 6 months of 2017.  January of 2018 ended with some symptoms that necessitated a trip to a neurologist, but they are all so busy that it will be another 10 days, as I write this, before I even get in to see him.  Meanwhile, I have just finished a sonogram of my kidneys and arteries surrounding them.  I think there is justification for no blog entries in 2017 but I hope to rectify that in 2018 and be more faithful.  Until then, there is lots to be learned in my Journals and Facebook posts - especially how great is the goodness and mercy of God in every situation, and how very important it is to hide His Word in your heart for when the hard times come.  I surely have no complaints regarding the life I have lived, so far.  I only pray to never lose sight of the good when I am overwhelmed with the seemingly bad. I am so very thankful for all His blessings and His provision for me and mine.  And I end this blog as I started - with new curls!