IMG_190131 Days Walking Through Chronic Illness

day thirty~one

“In life you realize there is a roll for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you, some will love you, and some will teach you. But the ones who are truly important are the ones who bring out the best in you. They are rare and amazing people who remind you why it’s worth it.”~Jenny McCarthy

Day thirty~one, wow! I cannot believe I made it here. Thirty~one days seemed so long thirty days ago. (smile)

I have shared facts and information, bared my soul and been transparent. My desire has been to reach the hopeless, encourage the weary. To paint a picture of grace by sharing what God has done for me as I walk this road of chronic illness.

Today, the last day of #write31days, I want to share all that I have gleaned from this experience.

The harvest of commitment.

I learned that I can write every day. That pajamas and bed head are not so bad, so long as the fingers are tapping out words.

I found negative numbers only count when running long miles. Writing, I never counted the days, even when overwhelmed.

Yes, I have gained readers and followers and great stats; but there has been more. So much more.

I have learned from others, more experienced, who were willing to share. To lead the way, to take the newbie by the hand.

I have made new friends, found new places to sit and read a spell. Stories that have had me hanging on ’till the end.

I have found hospitality and graciousness. Help when all things technical overwhelmed.

Made new connections, many people I would love to meet and share a cup of coffee with.

I found that I can write through noise, and the messy, and loud.

I found freedom in not keeping a schedule or watching the clock.

I have been profoundly touched by kind words and encouragement. Moved to tears as I have read stories of others walking through chronic illness. Caregivers as well.

Once again, God has shown me His ways are higher than mine.

He has met me even here, with grace. Giving me, perhaps the biggest story of all.

A story of mending. Threads, torn and shattered, weaving slowly together.

A story that spans many years.

Though I am not at liberty to share, that story has been my greatest blessing.

God Can do anything you know~far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. 

Ephesians 3:20~The Message 

Once again, He has given me a glimpse of the bigger picture. Shown me His reason for whispering “write” into my heart.

On my wall there hangs a picture of me sitting on my Papa’s lap, at the ripe old age of six. There I proudly clutch the trophy I won in a writing contest along with my “Scout” haircut(To Kill a Mockingbird).

I had not a clue it would lead me to this. Writing, now a part of my soul.

It’s the place I go to when the day is hard and long. The place I sit when the sun is warm and shining. The clouds fluffy and all is good and in between.

A good pen. The perfect journal. My chair to sit.

The harvest gleaned from write31days…lovely and breathtaking.

I have been writing here for over a year, sharing encouragement, hope, and transparency. I will continue to write as my story changes and life tosses me about.

“One of the gifts of being a writer is that it gives you an excuse to do things, to go places and explore. Another is that writing motivates you to look closely at life, at life as it lurches by and tramps around.” Bird by Bird~Anne Lamott 

I now fancy myself a writer…

Thank you, beautiful people at write31.com, Rise Up Writers, the Sisters I have met along the way, and of course, you, the reader.

I hope you will continue to join me on this journey of life.

Gifts of Grace

Tammy Mashburn

 

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#write31days

write31days.com

https://tlmashburn.wordpress.com/31-days/