Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (MSG)

I posted this on my other blog and think it bears repeating in my WordPress blog, so here it is…

I haven’t posted in a few days, because I’ve been preoccupied with a flare up of carpal tunnel syndrome. It comes and goes, but has been ‘coming’ a bit more than ‘going’ lately– and this most recent flare up has been somewhat debilitating. At least I’m pretty sure it’s carpal tunnel syndrome– the doctor will know better when I see him in another week. I’ve put up with intermittent symptoms for a year + so I guess it’s time to address it.

Despite the pain and frustration of not having abilities previously taken for granted, I have managed to maintain some semblance of gratitude and even thought of God a bit during my time of self-pity. In all honesty, joking aside, I am grateful for what I have. My afflictions are light when compared to many and do give me cause to stop and think of God– rather than just taking for granted all the blessings He has given me in my life. The fact that I am able to type this blog post alone is something to give thanks for. It is much easier to do today than it would have been yesterday, so progress is being made in relieving the symptoms– and there are solutions available today in the modern world that were previously non-existent.

So I am still able to function and take care of what counts. The discomfort of this condition is manageable. Today is my wedding anniversary and I am married to a woman who is my best friend and partner in life. I am saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ Jesus. There is much to give thanks for, of that I am sure. That includes my afflictions.