Friday, February 5, 2010

Shut In

It's been a very long time since I have spent a 24 hour time span without having left the house.

Today was such a day.

It's been raining cats and dogs here. I don't really know what that statement means except to say, it's been raining a lot. Most of the day it's just been a slow drizzle. The sky one huge, wet, blanket of gray.

I've had no real reason to leave the house. It's not as if that stops me on most days, but today it was a no go. Simply just too much effort. So, I didn't.

Reminded me though, of all those that are shut in everyday due to health reasons or perhaps caring for a loved one that they cannot leave alone. I know first hand what it feels like to have your world stop as everyone else's goes on. It's a funny feeling. Not a ha ha funny, but funny.

There were days and weeks I would spend in a hospital room as a cancer patient. I would come to know the landscape outside my window like the back of my hand. There was an apartment building across the way. I would watch as an elderly lady would come out everyday and sit alone on her porch. Sometimes, I would talk to her. No, she couldn't hear or answer me but I would talk to her anyway. It helped pass the time.

I also counted ceiling tiles in my hospital room promising myself that I would never forget how many there were. Years have passed and of course, I forgot.

In spite of my Baptist persuasion, I became thankful for the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Now, I know, I know, that little lady with the slightly purple/pinkish hair and heavy make up, might annoy some. But from my hospital bed, at any time of the day or night, I could hear someone talking or singing or preaching about Jesus. That was a blessing folks. All God's children have a place and a calling.

Even those with purple/pinkish hair. Goodness knows mine has been every color of the rainbow except purple. Well, come to think of it, it did turn a dark burgundy color right before it all fell out from the chemo, but I digress.

Do you know someone that is shut in today? If so, I encourage you to give them a little visit. I'm sure it would be an encouragement and lift their spirits as well.

As I am finishing this post a new day is on the horizon. The sun will be up in about an hour or so. As always, I'm off to bed. Sometimes I think a better title for my blog would be "Keeper of The Night". Ha! ha!

Be blessed everyone! Jesus loves you and I do too!

~~ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

~~Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is n Christ Jesus our Lord. ~Romans 8:38-39~

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

A timely reminder... Thanks.

Carol Murdock said...

Hi Deb,
I broke my hip in December 2005 and was housebound for 5 weeks!
I don't get out a lot, but it is totally different when you stay in as a choice rether than a health reason! I swore I was going to get out everyday, how quickly we forget! :)

Anonymous said...

I didn't know you had gone through cancer and chemo. I always feel blessed to know about people who talk about their cancer in past tense. And the shut-in reminder is always good.

Susan said...

I hardly ever watch TBN any more, I watch Angel network and the one Perry Stone is on (can't think of it at the moment) but TBN literally helped save my life back in the 80's and I will be eternally grateful for it being there when I needed it!!

j said...

Thank you for sharing such personal memories to inspire others to reach out.

I had planned to stay inside today and clean house. I'm going to get out for just a bit now - this post made me appreciate the fact that I am able to do just that.

Have a wonderful weekend Deb! Enjoy the game Sunday.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...

A beautiful reminder to check in on (and minister a smile and a few kind words to) those who are homebound or hospitalized.
And you are so right - hair color, appearance, even denominations mean nothing to people who need to hear from God!!!
Thank you!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

The music and the thoughts were just right! Kind of like a 'rainy day rambling of your mind and heart. You have such a nice clear way of expressing and getting a good message in all at the same time!

Thanks Debra, and.... pulling for the Saints!

Travis Cody said...

I remember after I hurt my knees, I was stuck inside for a whole week. I've always liked to read and watch movies, and I had homework to keep up with (I was 16). But even those things get old when you know you just can't get up and do whatever you want.

Mimi said...

HI!!!
I am a night owl too!!!!I think better in the dark!!!! Well lights are on but it is dark!!!!
I made a new commitment to stay home 2 days a week and go no where!!!! I love to just stay home, relax let the day go by slowly, and not have to worry about running errands or anything!!!! It is so nice for me, who is normally so busy running around!!!! I can't promise it will happen every week, but I try so hard!!!!!
I Praise God for Paul and Jan Crouch, although yes, she did/does look different then most, but it makes her happy and Yes Praise God for TBN!!!!!!
I also Praise God for touching you completely!!!!!
You are my special friend!!!
hugs,
jamie

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Grayquill said...

You gave me a glimpse into your world – we humans are in some ways so similar but the weaver makes each of us into His own unique design with gifts and understandings that are unique just to us. I like the Debra I see in her blog – thank you for sharing a piece of your design with us today. It is quite beautiful!

Finding Pam said...

Your blog is so inspiring. I have just caught up on some of your post. I did not know that you had cancer.

Maxine said...

Debra, This was such a nice post. Thank you so much for your thoughts and for passing them on as they are so true.

Hey, I came here looking for a post about the Saints! Congrats to your guys!