D3

Last evening I had the great privilege of not only being out of the house, but being so to give a presentation about Lyme Disease. 

When able to do these presentations to educate/advocate/encourage/give resources-  I carry close my dear Lyme Fighter Battle Buddies, especially those that are cheering me on from their beds/couches/floors/chairs at home! 

                                                                   

As I headed out on the road, my mind filled with many thoughts,  slowly a sensation, a sound, emerged to the fore-front of my thoughts.  Suddenly I realized that now that I was  on the tar road and getting up to speed, I had inadvertently had my car in D3 instead D (Drive). 
                                                                    

What I heard was the engine working a bit too hard for the conditions and speed at which I was driving!

As I made the adjustment into D, it reminded me of how often the 'old me' inside this Lyme-ridden body is roaring to GO!  But, the conditions and speed cause me to grind, and be less productive.
 
As a Lyme survivor, and one who wants to thrive- I need to pay attention to not only those desires/my personhood roaring away inside, wanting to GO-GO-GO- but I must be aware of the conditions and adjust my speed and gear accordingly for the long-run. 

Otherwise, I could do more damage, and end up worse off, and able to do less of the things I hunger to do. 

It's not easy to find this balance, and to be disciplined, but it is imperative to longevity and productivity.

What gear are you running in today?   Does it match up well with the conditions, speed...? 
Listen.  Just taking moments to listen, to discern, will have a good pay-off for you. 

Blessings,

Isaiah 48:17

New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is good for you
    and leads you along the paths you should follow.

Ten Things to Keep in Mind When Feasting with a Lyme Fighter

                                                                

1. We can't eat like you.  (We aren't being picky. Some food could actually kill us, anaphylactic shock reaction, or at the least- make us sick for days.)

2. We would LOVE to eat like you.

3. We still want to be a part of the celebration.

4. Much of our celebrations revolve around food.

5. Find out what we CAN eat (usually a short list).

6. Have at least one dish prepared and set out for us on the table with the 'regular' food items (more than one if you can, of course- we may be in 'happy shock' about your doing that for us, so be prepared).

7. Don't point out our 'special dish' to the other guests (only to us so we know it is a 'safe food' for us).

8. Bring the dish to us, if we can't get out that day, and eat it with us (yes, eat the same food we are eating, along with us- like it is 'normal food').

9. Realize, depending on where we are at in our Lyme journey, we may be in grief.  So if we aren't as celebratory as you'd think we would be (after all, we didn't have to stay in bed this day and got to be a part of the celebrating)...keep in mind, we are dealing with a multitude of losses due to Lyme.  And, as with other kinds of grief, the grief waves can hit us out of nowhere- and being with a group of people eating all kinds of tempting vittles can be difficult and overwhelming.  Just let us know: you understand, you don't know how we do it, you think we are strong, you are glad you are with us, cry a few tears with us, give us a hug, show us the dish we CAN eat :)

10. Even if we have to turn down an invitation- let us know you understand, that we will be missed; send something home to us.  And, say you will invite us again-  and DO.



To those who Believe, someday- we will dine at the great banquet, without restraint or restriction :) 

Revelation 19:17  New Living Translation (NLT)

¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, shouting to the vultures flying high in the sky: “Come! Gather together for the great banquet God has prepared.

Blessings-