Excuse or Legitimate Reason?

Yesterday was the start of Invisible Illness Week. The panel discussion was very good. If you missed it you can still listen to it at: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/invisibleillnessconf

During the discussion, the topic turned  to house cleaning. To most people, vacuuming, doing the dishes, laundry, dusting, etc. isn't the most enjoyable job; however, it's not a big deal. Yet, to those of us who live with chronic pain and or illness,  house cleaning is a VERY BIG deal.

Have you tried to vacuum while using crutches or a cane? Have you tried to empty the dish washer when you can't bend the waist? Or tried dusting when you can't lift your arm above shoulder level? Or tried to clean the tub/shower when you can't stretch to reach the wall? Or tried to do any chores when your body is screaming out in pain? 

One thing which I am learning is the difference between an "EXCUSE" and a "LEGITIMATE REASON". Am I putting off cleaning the kitchen, because my pain is just too high to accomplish that task at this moment? Or would I rather simply put off the chore because I'd rather watch TV or be on FaceBook? If I really CANNOT do that task at this moment, than I need to give myself permission to rest. However, if I simply don't want to do the task, then I need to change my thinking. 

I guess I look at it this way. If I am having a "better moment" and I'm able to clean the kitchen, but am avoiding it because I don't want to do it... then I'm not being responsible. If I really can't do the chore at this moment, I need to give myself permission to rest and "reschedule" the chore for a later time.

One thing I've learned about living with chronic pain, is that I can't clean the entire apartment in one day. Oh, I used to be able to do that, before my injury. But now, I have to break down the house work into sections and I try to do a little each day. I am also leaning to give myself permission to change the schedule, if my pain level is just too high.

Excuse or legitimate reason?

It all depends on the moment. 

When the apartment is clean and in order, I feel so much better. There is nothing like enjoying a clean home. If I overdo the cleaning, than my pain level becomes too high to enjoy the end result. Being responsible includes taking into account what my body can do, and what needs to be done. 

The only way to create a positive day

is to be honest with myself

as to whether I'm making excuses,

or have legitimate reasons.

Routine Chores

Just finished doing laundry, just a routine chore. However, today I was reminded that in order to complete the chore, I have to have the necessary supplies. Today, I had the clothes and towels, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, hangers, and my laundry card. However, I was short on one thing: credit on the laundry card.

I had to make a decision, wash and dry a few loads, or wash everything and hang the clothes in the shower to dry. I choose the first, the towels can wait.

How many times

do I try to accomplish God's will

without all the necessary supplies? 

What do I need? A good place to start is the Fruit of the Spirit:

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23

Where do I get these supplies? 

From Christ Himself.

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." Galatians 5:24-25.

The fruit of the Spirit is just that fruit from allowing the Holy Spirit to direct my life. I can allow Him to work, or I can ignore Him and live my life as the sinful nature directs:

"...sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like." Galatians 5:19-21. 

Some may think that that "sin" is more fun, than living a righteous life. However, it is not. Think of the consequences of sin. Often sin can lead to disease, pain, suffering, and death. Think of the accidents caused by road rage. Yes, road rage is sin... "fits of rage". 

I hear you asking: "But you live in pain... is that caused by sin?" Ultimately, yes. Pain was allowed as punishment when Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. Mankind endures many sufferings because of that choice.

Is my pain a direct cause to sin in my life? I don't think so. But I  have, and do confess my sins to God and He forgives me. But God allows pain for other reasons besides sin.

'As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life."' John 9:1-3

It really doesn't matter

the reason for the pain,

the key NOW is to live my life

so that God is glorified. 

If my pain is a result of sin, then I need to deal with that before God (confess and repent). If God allowed the pain, so that He would be shown through me, then I have a responsibility to do just that. And in order to it completely, I need the proper supplies..... and that brings me back to the Fruit of the Spirit. 

Today, as I go about my day, no matter what my pain level, I need to show love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

And the only way to do that

is to create a positive day

focusing on God and allow Him 

 to work through me.