Surviving

 It is often hard to feel that we are doing anything more than surviving and on days like today it feels like we are being pulled deeper into dismay and away from all that is hopeful. 

The sheer torment and unrelenting nature of the  tirade of symptoms is beyond most people's capacity to endure. Yet enduring constant pain is the only option. 

Seeking some form of distraction is the best to be hoped  for and even that fails dismally to relieve the tedium of so many lost moments hours, days weeks years, it seems sometimes.

It would be great if we could say we live always in  awareness of God's light and every moment is happy. The reality is far more dire.

 Yet it is secret glimpses of love that come within the endurance of this harsh reality which keep us surviving and moving forward: the  sweetness of a smile, the twinkle of an eye, the touch of a hand, an achievement unexpected, a message of love or hope, a word of encouragement, a message from a dear friend, a gift from a stranger, the  sun shining through the clouds or a lady bird sunning itself on a post. 

These are the small moments that bring love, warmth, goodness and relief , these are the moments when we feel wrapped in love and God's presence shines through the desert of pain.

Lord lift us up into awareness of your love and hold us safely, bringing comfort  and consolation in our struggles to survive. Amen.