walking the Old Oak Trail, learning from being sick

Walking the Tail of the Old Oaks in McKinley Woods

It must have just rained on the trail before we got there. We decided to walk a trail away from the I&M Canal Bike Trail in McKinley Woods. The trail was over a mile loop that we circled twice. The second time around we found a part belonging to my tripod. Thank You Lord. The trail was packed earth and easy on the feet. Liam's stroller worked nice on the trail. Tanya had  mosquito net that went over the carriage that protected him nicely. The shade was nice and the woodland was a nice change.
The elevated foot from the brace I am finding it easier to navigate over roots. I don't mind telling you as I write I am in no ankle pain.
We had the trail to ourselves. It would be a good trail to lap on for jogging or walking.

Bells tat caught my eye

Wayne Styles in his excellent blog talked of his experience of getting sick last week. He says of himself, "I never get sick."
Four things he learned:

• 1. You realize how weak you really are.
• 2. You realize the world can live without you.
• 3. You realize the blessing of good health.
• 4. You look forward to heaven.
• You can check out his thoughts at http://www.waynestiles.com/4-benefits-of-getting-really-sick/#more-2511

Sometimes we get a chronic or even a terminal illness. Today we have alot of support for such things. Being sick for a long term brings us the topic of suffering. In some experiences there are relapses and old struggles rear up again. I have made a recovery from anxiety where I can sleep again. Will I face it again? We go through things that are hard. The Apostle Paul faced heath concerns as he got older. His problems did not go away.  In 2 Corinthians 12 Paul had extraordinary experiences and revelations where he could if he chose could boast about. But he had an some kind issue that he prayed three times and it wasn't removed. Some have guessed glaucoma. Having several eye diseases I know how precious eye sight is. Paul shared how God gave him grace and through his weakness God would show His strength.
Having Cerebral Palsy, eye problems, high blood pressure, and getting older I am aware we have problems that don't go way.

Tanya and Barb making adjustments about the mosquitoes.

We learn from problems and our times we are sick. Our life is short even if we live to 90. We need to trust God who gives eternal life. Louis Sperry Chafer teaching the last year or two before he went to be with the Lord talked about his battle with cancer and pain. He didn't want people to take his pain pills away. During this time he published his eight volume set on theology. God works through us at our weakest moments. The blessing of walking, of reading the Bible and good books, friend and family, good food, and meeting with God in our darkest times all play a part in making sense of our hardest days. Grateful we have medical care as well. But even hat is limited. Wayne got sick last week and recovered. Isn't it great when we do recover and get better. You betsha! The truth is there will be a time when we won't recover. When all goes wrong and we pass, at that time God has our back, all we need to do is trust in Jesus as our Savior. Keep walking