How do you define a life lived with M.E and chronic illness? Is there such a thing as a typical day? And what sets the boundaries and perimeters needful for sufficient sleep and rest? They’re not always easy questions to answer.

I experience ever- fluctuating symptoms within a day, made worse by stress, lack of rest and repeated activity, colliding with a strong drive and desire to do more and be more than sickness allows, or wisdom would dictate is helpful.

Pacing is a necessity with M.E, as is rest and recuperation after any activity. And we’re talking about tasks such as making it out of bed, getting washed and dressed, (not always achievable), engaging with social media, reading, writing or watching TV.

[bctt tweet=”Pacing is a necessity with M.E, as is rest and recuperation after any activity”]

For those who have M.E, everything we do has a price to pay in terms of energy expended and a subsequent rise in pain and fatigue. I’ve been avoiding the PC for a while, my eyes unable to focus on a bright screen, resting in a darkened room for hours to try to recoup some strength.

Those times of yielding to rest still make me feel like I am missing out, but they are also some of the sweetest seasons of communion with God. He doesn’t define our days in quite the same way. We are just as worthy and loved by Him, whether we are active or slain by sickness or disease. 

[bctt tweet=”We are just as worthy and loved by God, whether we’re active or slain by sickness or disease.”]

Defined

You’re not defined by the tasks you do

but by who you are listening to

Being busy isn’t a badge of honour

but a call to rest and pray and ponder

 

Your titles, diplomas and degrees

are not the hallmark of following me

Education has its limits when it’s

pursued with pride wrapped within it

 

I grant you gifts of wisdom and grace

enough to see you through each day

I define a life well lived when it’s

Christ-dependent and surrendered

 

Let Holy Spirit define your deeds

as you welcome and receive

his gracious infilling from above

of poured out heavenly love

 

You tend to define others framed by your own

parameters—try to see each and every one

as my own beloved daughter or son

who needs compassion and help to change

©joylenton2017

Although our days may be constrained and confined by chronic illness, our lives are shaped and defined by our faith in Christ. He defines the boundary—one of unlimited love, mercy and grace for whatever situation we may find ourselves in.

[bctt tweet=”God defines the boundary—one of unlimited love, mercy and grace for whatever situation we’re in”]

I’m grateful for words coming today and being able to link my five-minute-friday poem with the lovely FMF crew at Kate Motaung’s site. Just click here to join us there and read the great posts being shared.