{"id":1327,"date":"2014-08-28T20:03:03","date_gmt":"2014-08-28T20:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/gooddaysbaddays\/?p=1327"},"modified":"2014-08-03T20:09:17","modified_gmt":"2014-08-03T20:09:17","slug":"chronic-illness-embracing-smooth-sailing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/gooddaysbaddays\/2014\/08\/chronic-illness-embracing-smooth-sailing.html","title":{"rendered":"Chronic Illness: Embracing smooth sailing!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Maureen<\/a>Like the calm before the storm, or the comfort before the next flare, the period of relatively “smooth sailing” can be a bit nerve-wracking. We know that “chronic” means ongoing, and have had flares rise up unexpectedly in the past. So, a period of quiet, when the illness is not so active, might make us fretful, waiting for the next “shoe to drop.”<\/p>\n

Oh, yes, we are all-too-human!<\/p>\n

Just as God gives us the strength during the tough times, and the wisdom to know how to navigate choppy seas, He gives us these quiet times, and I’m sure He’s watching us, waiting for us to, yes, enjoy them! Embrace them! And thank Him for the respite. And, you know what, there’s nothing wrong with this. In fact, there’s something wonderful about this.<\/p>\n

We go through the difficult flares and other trials thinking, “Be not afraid.” The same holds true – REALLY true! – for the “good” periods, the “good” days.<\/p>\n

Be not afraid of the gems of calm and grace! Embrace them – and sail smoothly, storing up these blessings as each gentle wave rolls on.<\/p>\n

Blessings for the day,<\/p>\n

Maureen<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Like the calm before the storm, or the comfort before the next flare, the period of relatively “smooth sailing” can be a bit nerve-wracking. We know that “chronic” means ongoing, and have had flares rise up unexpectedly in the past. 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She expected to be writing scripts. God had other plans. A few years after her graduation, Maureen was diagnosed with a life-threatening case of organ-involved lupus. Her life turned upside down as she grappled with the effects of the illness and other health conditions that ensued. She was no stranger to serious health challenges; even as a child, Maureen had survived numerous bouts of pneumonia, flu, and other infections. But lupus made her take a fresh look at her life goals - and took herlifelong, strong Catholic Christian faith and writing in a direction she'd never imagined. Today, Maureen writes and speaks about walking with the Lord while living with chronic pain and illness. Her most recent book is \"Don't Panic!: How to Keep Going When the Going Gets Tough (Franciscan Media). She is also the author of, \"Peace in the Storm: Meditations on Chronic Pain & Illness\" (Image Books\/Randomhouse), \"Beyond Pain: Job, Jesus, and Joy\" (Twenty-Third Publications), \"The First Year: Hypothyroidism, Second Edition\" (Perseus) and \"Taking Charge of Lupus: How to Manage the Disease and Make the Most of Your LIfe.\" She writes the syndicated column, \"Living Well,\" for Catholic News Service, and has also written for Saint Anthony Messenger Magazine, Journey for Women Magazine, The Upper Room Magazine, LupusNow, and Arthritis Today. Maureen's health continues to be a challenge, however she feels honored to be able to bring her perspective, from experience and knowledge, to others. \"Good Days...Bad Days with Maureen Pratt\" is a new way for Maureen to reach people who carry the burden of illness and pain in their lives, or who care for someone who does. 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