Last year I went through what I’ll call my personal health crisis.  I had a back injury that kept me ‘surviving but not thriving.’  It’s hard to think about the times when I couldn’t drive, when sitting in a chair wasn’t an option, or when the pain was at its worst and I just cried.  But here’s the thing, even in the middle of this dark time, there was light.  I saw it in the faces of people who wanted to help.  My mom came and cleaned my house and took me to get groceries every week.  Numerous friends called, emailed, and sent cards.  Some friends and family stopped by for a visit and brought dinner.  A variety of people were kind enough to mow my lawn and one couple just took the job over completely.  And for them it wasn’t just mowing: Tom cleaned out my gutters (that doesn’t even get done when I’m healthy!), and Marilyn did numerous things around the house to make my life easier.  I will be forever grateful for having such loving and caring people in my life.

But today is a new day, and I’m on the other side! Psalm 9:1 says, “I will give thanks to you Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.”  I may not have been able to get my own groceries 5 months ago, but today I rode on the North Coast Inland Trail from Norwalk to Monroeville.   I enjoyed the blue sky, the bright sunshine, and the gentle breeze blowing through the trees.  It was awesome to stop at the bridge in Monroeville and watch the Huron River from above.  You can call me blessed.

So if you’re going through a tough time, let me encourage you: you will get to the other side.  This is not going to last.  But don’t do it in your own strength, put your trust in God.     Isaiah 40:31 says,    “…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be  faint.” And let me just add, they will ride their bike and be full of joy.