"A Woodpecker's Life"

•      For approximately thirty years I have dealt with chronic back pain, a symptom of 'Degenerative Disc Disease.'  Thankfully, 'The Good Lord' has revealed to me that it is wiser and more beneficial that I become a better person from it, rather than becoming a bitter, angry, or some other negative type of person, as a result of it.  So, God has used my "friend," 'Back Pain,' to teach me many truths throughout our thirty year "friendship!" Hopefully, the following things (that come to my mind tonight) that I've learned from 'Back Pain,' shall help +/or encourage someone else who may be struggling with it!  The first thing that comes to my mind when I think about how the chronic pain has affected me, and the lesson to be gleaned from it, is that, I used to take many physical activities in which I was able to participate, for granted, before the pain introduced herself to me, and I ignorantly assumed that I would always be able to do those things. But NOW,  I TRY to not take anything in which I am able to participate, for granted!  But, sadly, because I am human, I'm quite sure that I still do!  However, I really try to appreciate everything (it's easier with some things than with others! Ha!) in which I am still able to participate! The second major lesson that my "friend" has shown me is that it is vitally important that I PRIORITIZE my time, my life;  my years, months, weeks, days, etc.!  Prioritizing decreases the frustration level of living with chronic pain, for me.  For example:  the #1 priority for my week is to TRY and put God first in my life by, daily having a devotional time each morning of the week, and by trying to go to 'Sunday School,' 'Sunday Morning Worship,' and 'Sunday Evening Prayer Meeting,' on 'The Lord's Day' (Sunday - the #1/7 day of the week), and going to 'Bible Study' on Wednesday nights.  So, these are major priorities for my weekly schedule. Therefore, I try to not plan anything that would keep me from keeping these activities/disciplines, my top priorities.  I'll share one more of the lessons in which 'Back Pain' has shown me, # three, on this (my first) blog.  It has taught me to steadily and persistently work throughout my days, like a 'Woodpecker,' on my goals and objectives, instead of eagerly jumping into a project, as I once did, working hard and fast, and completing it as quickly as possible, using all my strengths and capabilities, I NOW must peck away at my work, day in and day out, like the beautiful little 'Woodpeckers' I often see, and hear, in my back yard.  So, you see, I have learned some strategies and skills to help me to ADJUST, well actually to survive, to the frustrations and limitations, etc., caused by my persistent friend, 'Back Pain!'  There are many more things that she has shown and taught me, however, they are for me to share with you at another time, on another blog.  Therefore, until then, I'll  be busy, being thankful for all with which God has blessed me, trying to do everything that am still ABLE to DO, continually prioritizing my life, and consistently pecking away at it!