People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.

Zig Ziglar

Are you doing ok during this pandemic? Have you been able to keep your sanity, motivation, and sense of well-being? The changes in society lately have thrown life a curveball with many adjustments needing to be made. Some days, I don’t even know what day it is! Yesterday, I looked at my husband’s medication organizer and saw that he had taken Thursday’s medication. “It’s only Wednesday”, I thought. “Poor man got his meds confused and doesn’t even know what day it is”. I thought about it for a minute because something seemed “off”. Did he take a double dose of medication this week? I looked at the calendar on my cell phone and was shocked that it was Thursday and not Wednesday. I had lost track of a whole day somehow.

So much has happened since COVID 19 has taken over. My husband was hired to work for the VA in Waco, TX. Within a few weeks time, he had a much needed shoulder surgery, we packed a few things, rented an apartment – sight unseen, moved from El Paso to Waco, and he started working. The whirlwind of activity started in June. A month later, we are settled and very happy that John is able to work during this crazy time frame.

One year ago, he graduated from college but could barely walk due to hip pain. One year ago, I wondered how many days would he spend in bed because it was too painful for him to move. One year ago, he had his first total hip replacement surgery. One year ago, when he had moments of coherency, he started looking for work, putting his resumé out into the world. And one year later, he is able to work all day and still be able to come home and be functional. One year can make a difference. One year ago, we were very concerned for our little church in Mexico who had no pastor because John did not have the strength to preach. At times, we were very discouraged and wondered when all the surgeries would end and if our church would ever have someone be able to take over for us. John mentioned the other day that he had been under anaesthesia seven times in four years due to various procedures. I am glad to report that John is doing well and that our church has a man who has taken the work for us. We are very pleased with the direction the church is taking and we are so grateful our church family has a good leader present – especially during this year and all its craziness! Everything from the surgeons John has had, to the healing, to how the details came together for a National to be willing to come to the church, to the way the job offer happened, to the way the apartment we rented is just perfect for us in every way…it is ALL God working. One year ago, all this seemed impossible.

It is challenging to be motivated to trust God when we do not feel like it. Motivation is a daily choice. It has to be taken (chosen) daily like medication or vitamins. The last few years have not been easy for us, but we kept each other motivated to keep pressing on. We took one day, one surgery, one physical therapy appointment at a time. We decided to trust God’s heart when we couldn’t trace His hand. We would have never guessed that we would be making such huge moves during a pandemic. I can only hope one year from now, things will be less confining and confusing in the world concerning the virus. There is still more work to be done on John, but the fact that he has been able to do so much in such little time has been encouraging. To witness the church’s determination to keep the doors open and to see the amazing ministry that is happening now is beyond any feeling I could describe to you. We love our church family deeply. I just talked to a member today on the phone and the sound of her voice nearly made me cry. We had such a good conversation and the church is doing well even in these uncertain times. Good things are happening. Thank you, Lord.

The motivation to keep going may not show results today, but amazing things can happen in the next year if we don’t give up. God is still working – even right now.

Thank you for reading today’s record of graces. I value your time and your encouragement.