Living with chronic illness often entails suffering tremendous losses. These blows to a fragile spirit can quickly lead to a dull, deep down feeling of hopelessness. You might ask, “Will my life ever mean anything, again?” or, “What’s the point of all of this suffering?”

Although we might never know the individual reasons why we suffer,  as we continue on our journey with illness and pain, we will face many decisions that can add up to a better understanding of at least part of the journey, part of the purpose. Among those decisions is the very personal answer to the question, “What makes you feel that spark of something good, the thing that motivates you to continue in a positive way?”

A spark doesn’t have to be a full-on, ten-alarm fire. It can be the gentle nudging you feel when you wake up in the morning and think of the one thing that you will enjoy greeting. God, perhaps. Or, your dog. Your spouse. Your child. Your daily email from a friend. Even, the view from your window of the birds moving about through the day. The constancy of these and other gentle, daily things help protect our “spark,” and keep it glowing.

Enthusiasm for something you enjoy doing can be the spark that helps you get through the tough days and enhances the good days. Reading. Walking. Playing a musical instrument (even if you play it badly!). Reaching out to someone you know is hurting, maybe even hurting worse than you. No stress, no hurry, no one grading your performance. Just things that enable you to feel part of the active world around you.

Also, when we set out to realize a dream, we connect with that spark of “something.” This journey, with its ups and downs, can be difficult, but as it unfolds, the spark can grow, fueling you farther than perhaps you thought possible.

Where is your spark? That spark of something that helps light your way to feeling more positive? It’s within you – and through centered, attentive prayer, will reveal itself with a glow that warms and inspires.

Blessings for the day.

Maureen