it's Nita.

Yesterday, I mowed the lawn! As my young adult group asked for praise reports at the end of our meeting, I was trying to encourage myself to speak up. I wanted to speak about a recent development but felt my news (while good) was still sad. Nearly missing the window of opportunity as closing prayer was about to start, I sheepishly cleared my throat and shared.

Before I get into the importance of the lawn revelation, let me set the backstory.

Some of you may know I was diagnosed with Acromegaly in January 2019. This discovery happened after going in for a regular women’s annual, asking for full blood work (because I felt the Lord prompt me to ask), being referred to a general doctor, then directed to get an MRI because they still did not know that cause of the abnormal blood work results. Ultimately, the doctors found a pituitary tumor on the MRI and about 6 months later I underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible. This was a partial success as 70% was safely removed. The other 30% I was told was to be treated medicinally due to the tumor’s location.

Sidenote: That whole process is another praise report entirely (yes bad news can be good news if that good news is ultimately for your good). However, I digress…let me get back on the present topic.

How does this little backstory relate to my excitement over mowing the lawn?

Through my medical journey I had various reactions to the medication… fatigue, high blood sugar, lack of focus and depressive symptoms to name a few. One medication in particular was especially draining. As I was trying to manage my “regular” routines, the regulars become more difficult. I was tired attempting to complete tasks that in the past I could have done with relative ease or at least without feeling faint! This new and stronger medication simply was not working for me.

All this to say, I was very out of sorts, uncomfortable, and started developing a general anxiety over how my days were going to go.

But there has been real change in the last few months! My doctor changed my medication, I made adjustments to my diet, and have seen great improvement in my energy levels as well as symptoms. Moreover, my bloodwork in trending in the right direction!

Therefore, I triumph and have a praise for being able to mow the lawn! I have been able to say yes and enjoy activities that I would have otherwise declined because I knew my body could not handle it.

It’s a beautiful thing!

And as I continue to walk out my health journey, I am reminded of the “even if”. Even if it’s hard, even if I am never back to how I used to be, I can praise the Lord for where I am. I can choose not to wallow in the what ifs of my diagnosis, potential costs (physical, financial, emotional, mental or otherwise), and dozens of “I don’t know how this is going to work out” thoughts.

I can simply say that God has been there for me even if. ❤️

What a powerful revelation a lawn can be!

His Best. Always.

Nita

P.S. I am so VERY happy to be a part of the small young adult group at my church. Women and men of God that share openly and love BIG! They inspire some of my writings and remind me that having the right community around you can make all the difference. I’m so very thankful for this tribe of people I have been able to start genuinely connecting with. Our meeting tonight reminded me to put a praise back on my lips (not just going through the motions) and share this little testimony. Even if!