Saturday, March 30, 2013

Gratitude for “Little Miracles”

I heard it said that every now and then God likes to throw us a curve ball just to see if we can hit it. The past few weeks have been just that—a curve ball. I was diagnoses with Crohns disease about four years ago; never did I think it would be a life altering condition—boy was I wrong. In early October I woke up and was unable to move. My body ached everywhere. My legs seemed to be rebelling against me and refused to let me stand. Over the next few months I underwent test after test, going through specialty doctors like a kid would go through a bag of candy. Most experiences were not sweet and the results often left me with a stomach ache. 

In the end they determined the Crohns disease had begun to cause arthritis in my joins and that was the reason for so much pain and the struggles with my arms and legs. My doctor counseled me to find a desk job, something that would allow me to sit. My employer, a company I have been with for 11 years as a bakery manager, had no such position. Short term disability ran out, my job was gone, and I was on my own—or so I thought.

I took a week off Facebook (something that I am highly addicted to because I crave the social interactions I miss at work) as a type of fasting. I wanted to show God I was serious about finding a way to support my family. When I returned, I made it a goal to be more optimistic and not be one of the “those” people who complained all day long. Then the little miracles started happening . . . 

Suddenly angels were donating money, sending job referrals by email, giving book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, and eBook sales increased. These “little miracles” really showed me that I was not alone in this situation. And it helped me see that God is mindful of everyone—especially so when he throws that curve ball your way. The overwhelming display of friendship and compassion for me and my family has literally brought me to tears. I want those involved to know how much I love and appreciate each of you. And not just for what you did, but because you had the compassion and strength to do it. So many times we see someone broken down on the street and we pass by thinking someone else will take care of it. I am so grateful no one passed me by when they saw that I was broken. 

Thank you all so very much! You have taught me a valuable lesson: We are never alone in our trials, God will send his angels to help; and sometimes he throws us a curve ball because he knows we CAN HIT IT.

15 comments:

  1. Prayer for a good match in the job quest, Mikey!

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  2. Awesome post Mikey. Something each of us would do well to remember-- we are only alone when WE do the turning away. Heavenly Father will never abandon us. ;) Thanks for the reminder. :)

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  3. I love this post Mikey. My husband and I have been going through a very similar trial over the last several years. I heart goes out to you and I'm so glad you had angels lift you up, just as my family and I have had our own angels to help us.

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  4. Awww... your post gave me chills and made me tear up. Praying really hard for you and your family! Keep us posted.

    Oh, and I love the Facebook fast. That's something I think we'll do as a way to figure out where the Lord wants us to move.

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  5. Also, my mom has a friend with Crohn's Disease. She (my mom) has been helping her get the disease under control with how she eats - things that the doctors never suggested and never thought of, and the friend is doing really, really well. Let me know if you'd be interested in me sending some of the info over.

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  6. We all love you, Mikey. Thanks for sharing this.

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  7. Thanks for sharing the dark times as well as the bright times. Inspiring.

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  8. beautiful post! Amazing man! Love ya!

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  9. My best to you, Mikey and family. Hung in there. :)

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  10. Mikey, what an awe inspiring post! Thank you for the reminder that we all have the Atonement and Savior's love to help us find the way and send the friends we need, when we need them most. Been there. Blessings to you and your family! :O)

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  11. Thank you all for the wonderful comments! You are the reason this journey is worth it--thank you!!

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  12. Lovely, lovely post. I really hope your Angels continue to help see you through these troubled times. I have faith that something good will come your way work-wise. Prayers and God's blessings to you, my dear friend.
    xx
    Cas.

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  13. A very touching post. Thanks for sharing it. I can relate so much. Your positive, kind words have lifted during at a difficult time as well.

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  14. Whoah! My last comment didn't make much sense. I meant to say your words have lifted me, too.

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  15. Thank you Alice for the kind words. :) I hope the difficult time passes soon and that you find the positive in the bad. :) Sweet Dreams!
    -Mikey

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