Pits

I'm still waking up each morning, trying to wish away my new reality. It was just a week ago, that my dog yanked me as she jumped into a Colorado lake, causing me to twirl around. It's amazing how one yank can change everything! This new reality hasn't been easy. I am supposed to "rest and elevate" for two weeks prior to surgery. I'm struggling to do the simplest of things I normally take for granted. Honestly, this new reality feels so hard for an active, hard-to-sit-still girl.

When was the last time you woke up with a new reality? Where life is just NOT the same. Things are difficult. Not what you expected. Where you can't do what you really want to do. Where you realize you're not in control. Where the pain of yesterday keeps creeping into the reality of today. Yep…. You may not have a broken ankle, but perhaps you do relate to the  "pits" that lock you from truly living. Pits of unforgiveness. Pits of anger. Pits of despair. Pits of depression. Pits of anxiety. Pits of loneliness. Pits of self pity. 

We try so hard to hide our pits, but often we can't.  I find it hard to hide my discouragement. My fears. My inabilities to do much of anything. My insecurities. Yet, God knows and cares about all these things. I can't hide anything from Him! I am reminded that King David in the Bible had his share of pits.  Who knows exactly what his pit was, but take a moment and read how he handled his pit:

"I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair; out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord." Psalm 40:1-3 (NLT)

So, the lesson for me is this…. 1. Learn to wait patiently for the Lord to help me.  2. He will lift me out of the pit of despair. 3. He will set my feet on solid ground and steady me as I walk "or crutch" along. 4. He will give me a new song of praise to sing to God. So, I start this day with a new hope. I will not let the "pits of life' crush me to the core. I will hold on to His promises. I pray you will as well.

Nancy Abbott  is the Chaplain for the YMCA of Greater San Antonio..