Hello and welcome back to Second Chance to Live my friend. I am happy to see that you decided to stop by to visit with me. Over the weekend I wrote a 3 part series, Second Chance to Live — My Presence has been my Absence to let you know where I have been, as I stopped posting to Second Chance to Live before August 16, just before I made my first trip to the emergency room. I want you to know that I greatly value and highly appreciate your friendship. Monday, September 1 I was discharged from the hospital after spending 16 days in the hospital because of orbital cellulitis. As you might imagine, I am thrilled to be back to my home and my own bed.
During the past several days I have needed to take care of some necessary business. Consequently, I have not had time to write until now. I am very happy to be back on my computer and to able to connect with you my friend.
Over the past 16 days in the hospital I spent a significant amount of time in prayer, meditation and reflection. My experiences while in the hospital taught me things about myself that I would have otherwise not been able to learn. My experiences also galvanized my convictions and reinforced my belief system. In life I have learned that I do not have to know the big picture, nor do I have to know how the pieces of my experience are going to fit together. What I may not realize as significant or valuable — now — is invariably preparing me to become more effective and of maximum use to God and my fellows.
Ultimately I am control of my attitude.
The way I choose to view my circumstances and experiences will determine the quality and effectiveness of the life I have to live… today. My circumstances are not meant to keep me down, but they are meant to build me up because I know that I am learning the lessons necessary to take advantage of the opportunities that become available to me…in time. Consequently, I am committed to my process, regardless of how things may look now, because I know that I am being led in the direction of my destiny. Consequently, I do not have to know the big picture because I know that I can trust the process, a loving God and my ability to learn.
In my process I am learning to use my gifts, talents and abilities in ways that work for me through the lessons that I am given because of my circumstances.
“If you advance confidently in the direction of your dreams and endeavor to live the life that you have imagined…you will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. Henry David Thoreau
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What a great inspiration for people everywhere to keep trying even though life may not be easy or what they want. I had something similar called ocular kerotitis and lost the vision completely in one eye and partially in the other due to a sulfa drug reaction. The doctors weren’t sure if I would get my vision back partially or completely. It is enough on top of the already difficult day to day living to know that God is putting more on your plate. It is definitely how you as an individual choose to deal with it and any other situation life throws at you. Will you fall and not be able to go on or is just another part of life? I recovered completely and take it not only as a learning experience but also a wake up to be appreciative of my vision and the world I can see around me. Craig is incredible at drawing the best out of any terrible situation. It is part of life, so accept it and move on the best you can. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
Hi Diana,
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment and your kind words. I am happy to hear that your vision was restored / recovered completely Diana. Thank God. I am going to see a neuro ophthalmologist later today. I am experiencing some eye strain and presently have a gray / black spot in my left eye vision when I look in the lower portion of my eyeglasses. I am able to see fine so I believe my vision will recover completely. I agree with you. Life is filled with silver linings that unless looked for will not be seen. Thank you for your friendship Diana.
Have a simply amazing rest of your day and God bless you.
Craig