When We Drift

Come near to God and he will come near to you. (James 4:8)

A little over a year ago, I had a stress fracture in my right foot and had to wear a boot for two months. (I wrote about that experience here.) Now, all these months later, I continue to have issues with the joint between my right hip and my thigh, the hip flexor. Most days, I don’t notice anything. But every once in a while, my hip aches or I have a catch in my hip when I stand and walk after sitting for an extended period. Earlier this year, in March, I tried running a short distance, and my hip flexor ached constantly for about two months.

When my hip gave me trouble during this time, I went to the doctor, who gently scolded me for running—it was too much too soon, she said. She instructed me to walk or do low-impact exercises only. Then I did some research on exercises that will strengthen that joint. The truth is, I’m getting older and most likely have some arthritis making that joint weaker, even without the added burden of walking off-balance in a boot for two months. Continue reading “When We Drift” →

Taking Our Medicine

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)

My little Yorkie companion, Lilly, is getting older. She turned twelve last October, and she’s had arthritis for a while and stomach issues even longer. (The stomach issues aren’t age related. She just has a weak stomach.) Recently, she’s been dealing with a recurring skin infection, so the vet prescribed a pill and also a medicated shampoo.

I coated the pills in peanut butter the same way I do with her arthritis and stomach medicines. Almost immediately, she noticed that something was different. She sniffed the peanut butter suspiciously, and after she ate the peanut butter and spit out the pill several times, I switched to wrapping it in cheese. And now, not only am I having difficulty getting her to take the new medication, but she also doesn’t want to take the old ones that have never bothered her before. She licks the peanut butter delicately each time as if to test what kind of craziness might be lurking inside. Continue reading “Taking Our Medicine” →

Birthday Reflections

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph 5:15–16)

I’m introspective by nature, and I like to take some time around my birthday to reflect on my life. This sort of self-reflection must have something to do with getting older. I’m quite sure I wasn’t so contemplative in my twenties.

A friend of mine recently posted about how he uses his birthday as a springboard to reflect and realign his life goals. I loved that idea, and then I realized I’ve been implementing it for a while. No wonder I liked it! Continue reading “Birthday Reflections” →