Refreshed and Ready!

I'm back! It turned out to be a rather long break, but my writing is better for it.  In fact, reading over a passage I recently composed for All Shook Up, I was surprised at how much better, deeper, and stronger the writing was. It occurred to me that it might be because I, myself, have grown a little better and stronger.
 
Glancing – only glancing – back at the last year and a half, it’s obvious that surgeries and other unavoidable life events delayed major rewrites. But I’m only just realizing that my writing was affected long before I realized it.
 
I write – and live my life – from a perspective of optimism and joy. I cannot claim credit for this internal, eternal hope. I thank God for it. Springing, as it does, from deep within, it’s not easily shaken by external circumstances. But certainly, stress and exhaustion – mental, emotional, and/or physical – can sap of us of energy and subdue good cheer. If you’re like me, you might feel guilty for your less than stellar mood or lack of energy and therefore feel even worse.
 
But then my hero made a getaway happen. We determinedly rested and relaxed and enjoyed every moment. And I feel refreshed.
 
Both foot surgeries failed, by the way. I’m having the first do-over next week. I’ll be off my feet throughout the holidays and effectively for much of the coming year.
 
At first, I was angry, frustrated, and in denial. But a calm has settled over me, along with a refreshed spirit and energy. It’s not that big a deal and, in any case, there isn't much I can do about it. I hope and pray it will all go well this time around. I believe it will. 

​And I can have a good attitude. 
 
Grace in place of grace… (John 1:16)
 
Thank you, Lord, for your love and patience with me, and for my family and friends and their love and patience. And for your grace.
 
All glory and honor are yours forever. Amen.

God be with you.