Some may envy those of us who ‘get to’ stay home all day, but the reality isn’t all that fun. Karen explains.
“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things He has done for you” (1 Samuel 12:24).
I wish I had a dollar for everyone who has said to me “I wish I could stay home all day.”
When I worked full-time and had a budding career there were days that I thought it would be a great thing if I could just stay home and not work. I thought of how much less stress that would be. I also thought of the many projects I always wanted start but never had the time.
However, for the most part, I enjoyed working in the career field I chose. I felt that I was truly making a difference.
When I got sick and had to quit my job, I was suddenly someone who “stayed home all day.”
Guess what? Staying home was not fun.
I did not do all those things I always wanted to do. I barely felt good enough to shower and make my meals each day.
I spent most of my time resting from whatever task I was able to do.
When you are home all day the day goes by very slowly. Every day seems the same. You can only watch so much TV and follow people on Facebook.
Yet, there are always reasons to be thankful for my life. God provides me the strength I need each day.
I’ve learned that there are things that I can do from home to serve the Lord. For example, I can pray for others. I can send cards, emails, or facebook messages of encouragement to others. I can give friends a phone call to see how they are doing. Serving God comes in many different forms.
Prayer: Lord, help me to use each day to bring You glory and honor. Amen.
About the author:
Karen Weber has been diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases for over 20 years. She has led a support group and has taught classes for the community on “Living Well with Chronic Illness.”
If you are unable to work, do others make you feel like you are “lucky” you get to stay home?
This is Rebecca St. James singing “Alive.” Our home may feel like a retreat some days… but other days? It can feel more like a prison. It can be hard to feel alive some days as we are dragging through the rooms, wondering if we should get dressed or not even bother.
Just because we may not leave our home that often or have a place with a purpose to go to on a regular basis, doesn’t mean we can’t feel alive. I hope this song encourages you to seek first God–and that is what will make you feel alive. (Yeah, I needed to hear this today…) -Lisa
Chronic Illness Pain Daily Devotionals 