Just a couple weeks ago I was really struggling with my right hand. It was swollen and painful and I couldn’t use it very much. I tried to be gentle with it as it slowly got better. There will always be residual swelling, pain, and limited capability due to the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. But, after my experience at Lourdes, I can physically do more than anyone thought I would be able to. Today I realized how grateful I am to be able to use my hands. First thing in the morning I said my prayers including a rosary. As I slid the beads through my fingers, I was aware of how hard that was not too long ago. A friend invited me to a card making event this morning, so I went after breakfast. It was so much fun folding, stamping, and gluing. I could use my hands with no problems. This afternoon I went to my friend’s house to help them out. The gentleman got out of the hospital and was back at home, using a walker to get around. They hired a caregiver company to provide the extra help that they need right now and asked it I could still come to fill in some of the holes. When I was there this afternoon, I made them lunch and did some things around the kitchen. I was glad I was able to help them, especially since I was pretty useless to them a couple of weeks ago. When my body hurts more than usual, I do notice it and can get frustrated that I can’t function the way I want to. I should be more grateful, like today, for the capabilities that I had just for today.

I Found God today grateful to use my hands.