Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Being Appreciative of Well Meaning Suggestions


“Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.  Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:20-21 (NIV)

Almost daily I receive messages from someone who suggests I try something that has helped them.  Knowing they are well meaning, I appreciate all the suggestions; although I feel that they do not understand my chronic illnesses; for what may help one does not mean it will help me too.  I’ve tried the latest “fad” or treatment then months later my body becomes immune to the positive effects it once had upon me. 

No one wants to find a cure for what ails me more than me!  For 27 years I have tried almost everything that is out there.   Some things have helped – for a time, and others have actually made me feel worse.  If I don’t seem all that appreciative or excited about something that someone has recommended it has nothing to do with the fact that they are trying to help me, but that I may be a little cautious because of the 27 year track record of all the things I have tried. 

Currently, I am on a quest to a healthier me.  This quest is first and foremost placing God and His leading first.  Next, realizing that my body belongs to God, through His leading I am trying to make wiser and healthier decisions as to what I put into, on and do with my body. 

So, as I continue to receive all the suggestions from others regarding my health, I will welcome them with a gracious heart as I pray for God’s leading on whether or not I should heed to these well-meaning helps. 

How do you react when others suggest you try something that they have read about or have used and have helped them?

Dear Lord, help me to realize that most of the time when someone sends me a suggestion of something that may help with my chronic illness that they are really saying, “I care about your pain/health and I would like to help you”.  Help me to weigh everything through You Lord, and wait for Your leading. 

2 comments:

Marsha said...

Michele, this gets an AMEN from me! What I truly view as a godly answer. Yes, there are some people that just don't get it, don't want to get it, think you're whacko-whatever. But then there's other well meaning folks who truly love you, weep when you weep, and rejoice when you rejoice, that just want to help. I take numerous types of health newsletters, not all of them are relevant to me but to someone else that I know and love - like you. I'd move heaven and earth if I could to find something - anything - to help you.

I know that ultimately our time on earth is fleeting, withering like the flowers of summer are now. One day there will be an ultimate healing. And God will wipe away all tears. In the meantime, he has you in an elite group - the fellowship of His suffering. His ultimate goal is His glory manifested in the form of developing Christlike character.

I love you.

Michele Williams said...

Thank you sis for your kind words and understanding of what I am trying to say, display, share with others... my heart.....