Have you ever found yourself in church, listening to a sermon, and your thoughts drift away? I am sure we have all been there — writing notes to stay focused, fidgeting to calm nerves, or perhaps struggling to stay awake due to a lack of sleep. That is where I found myself on this Sunday, and adding to my distraction were thoughts of a recent discussion with my physician. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis so am no stranger to difficult medical conversations, but discussing the future need for a knee replacement at age 47 had been a shock and was weighing on my mind.

Chronic pain and illness have been part of my life for the better part of the last 30 years, but the past year has been marked by some of the most difficult challenges and I now find myself in a time of sorrow with the loss of ability and sense of community. It has come with isolation and time away from everyday tasks that have been a source of joy in the past and yet have taught me a deeper reliance on God and faith in His promises.