On this day ten years ago I had a nervous breakdown and was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. It was the worst time of my life. But, looking back, I can be thankful because it made me more compassionate and gave me an appreciation for those who struggle everyday to just put one foot in front of the other as they bear the burden of living with mental illness or some other demon. I have also learned that in order to stay well I need to remember that what other people think of me is none of my business, that I have God-given gifts and limitations and both are to be respected, and that I should trust my gut because God knitted together my inward most parts. I am not special in these ways, all of this applies to all of you as well. I have not traveled this journey of healing alone. Thank you to my family, especially Lynne Long and Joe Long who offer unconditional love. I am grateful to neighbors past and present who have literally and figuratively reminded me that I am never alone. I cant believe how amazingly lucky I am to have Nathan as my son. I appreciate friends who text, call, visit, and hug me--no matter how long its been since weve seen one another. I am honored to be with a person who loves me and lets me know that me is enough. And finally, and you knew this one was coming, I give thanks to the people of Suttons Bay Congregational Church who have loved, challenged, forgiven, and delighted me for these past nine years. All of you have been Little Christs* to me and I am ever so grateful to you and for you. *A term used by C S Lewis in Mere Christianity.
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 04:18:46 +0000