"Sometimes It Wasn't Very Nice, But Mostly It Was Beautiful"

This week, I've watched "The Wizard of Oz" twice and now I've got "Somewhere over the Rainbow", "If I Only Had a Brain", and "We're Off to See the Wizard" stuck in my head! :-)

What has stayed with me, more importantly, is something that Dorothy says towards the end of the film. Reflecting back on her experience, she says "Sometimes it wasn't very nice, but mostly it was beautiful." When I heard those words, I hit rewind so I could write them down. And I thought to myself, "That's what I want to say when I find myself further down the road on this journey of dealing with osteonecrosis! Sometimes it wasn't very nice, but mostly it was beautiful..."

Sometimes it ISN'T very nice. The months of pain before we knew what was wrong. Not being able to walk or hike or do the leg press at the gym (yes, I actually miss doing the leg press!). Watching the muscles in my leg atrophy. Hearing the news that this isn't a simple torn meniscus. Facing an uncertain future. Watching my wonderful, tired husband having to do all his work and most of mine, and feeling helpless. Waking up in the night numerous times and feeling like a zombie during the day. Not being able to work at the Journey Center, and only having the energy to work a couple of hours a day from home. Yes, sometimes it isn't very nice...

But mostly it is beautiful. I'm just starting to come out of the "fog" that happens when you find yourself in an unexpected crisis. Like Dorothy, I've been disoriented and sometimes afraid, but now I'm taking a look around me and I'm noticing some things that are beautiful. Even though the land I'm in isn't home, it's not where I want to be and it seems so unfamiliar to me...there are some pretty wonderful things that I see and experience. And the beauty mostly comes in the form of people!...

...new people I would never have met if this hadn't happened- especially the members of the Therapeutic Water Exercise Class at Finley Center. Men and women in their 70's. 80's and 90's (one woman is 93!) who have been taking this class for 10-15 years and who are determined to keep moving, even though they suffer the pain of arthritis. They are so courageous, positive, loving and welcoming...and an inspiration, for sure! And wonderful Donna Burch, who started this class and makes it possible for all of us to be there! And people I haven't even met yet who have been working on getting me a wheelchair (one has been found now, thank you!).

...and people I already know who are extending love, prayers and kindness to John and I on a daily basis. So much beauty there, and sometimes it's hard to take it in!

...and the constant presence of the One who told me long ago..."No matter what happens, I will be with you." There have been so many "no matter what happens" seasons since then, and He is always present and loving and full of grace towad me so that even if everything is topsy-turvy, I experience His love like an anchor.

"Sometimes it wasn't very nice, but mostly it was beautiful." Help me, Lord, to see the beauty around me today and to be grateful for Your gifts...

Joanna