Me? Really?

You'll laugh at me. I have a predisposition to be lazy. I had it before my stroke, but oh, it's taken on a whole new meaning now. Most days I am ahead of my laziness. I have a plan for the day and Jesus and I step lively into it. But then, I also have an obstinate streak as well. Especially after having a stroke. Oh I think I should get to by-pass a lot of the expectations that are put on able-bodied folks. I mean, am I really supposed to cut down on sweets, walk 7,000 steps a day, and do my workouts when my nerve cells are screaming in pain? Am I expected to pony up when I'm having a bad day and feel like pity's poster child?

My goodness.

The voice inside my head says "You can't do it. You're disqualified. You're not capable."

The voice inside my heart says something entirely different. It says "you are My child (John 1:12), a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37). When the weight of the world threatens to take me down there's truth to combat it that's as close as a prayer or time in the Bible. I have a purpose here on earth and some days are just going to be hard. The Lover of my soul has promised me that He will never leave me. The difference between a hard-good day and just a hard day is deciding to believe what He says.

The answer to that question, am I expected to push through when I'm having a bad day? The answer is yes. It has to be yes, especially in light of all that Jesus endured for my safe passage from death to life. Noone will ever be able to come close to delivering all that means to poor pitiful soul like me. That is all the motivation I need.

Pick up your cross, Jill, and walk beside Jesus. Obey, cherish and love Him. There's work to be done. Walk a straight line forward and be thankful because His burden is light.