Along the way...

I originally shared this post back in 2016. During that time, due to Macular Degeneration and other issues, doctors gave me no hope of my eyesight ever getting better. My eyesight continued to grow dimmer, and the prescription for my glasses continued to get stronger. Prisms were added to help my weakening eyes not be cock-eyed. We thought I was going blind, but God had other plans. Over the last months I’ve had retina surgery to repair a torn retina, then cataract and lens replacement surgery on my right eye, and today (052819) I’ll have surgery on my left eye to remove a cataract and replace the lens. During all these procedures, my surgeon said he didn’t see any Macular Degeneration. He surmised I must have been misdiagnosed. Nope. I know the truth. “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23). “He is the one you praise; he is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes” (Deuteronomy 10:21). Please join me in praising God for all He has done!

Here’s what I wrote in September of 2016 –>

With the weakening of my eyesight, I was desperate to be outside and enjoy the beauty of God’s nature. I want to see all the Lord will allow me to see, so sweet hubby and I found a good rate on a hotel room and headed to the Ozark Mountains.

Arriving at our hotel in the afternoon, we grabbed our water bottles, drove to a nearby trail, and checked the park map at the trail-head. We followed the markers to what we thought would take us on an easy jaunt to the lake-shore. Although the afternoon was hot, a gentle breeze brought comfort and the dense forest provided shade. I tell ya, being in the hills breathes life back into my soul. I love the sound of the wind in the trees and the happy chirps of birds.

We happily tromped through the woods until we found ourselves at a caution sign warning the rest of the trail would be intense. We had taken a wrong turn somewhere, but feeling brave and adventurous, we took the plunge and started down stone steps we hoped would lead to the shoreline.

Unfortunately, a little double-vision is not a good thing when trying to traverse a steep trail made of stone. Fortunately, sweet hubby stayed in front and provided any help needed. I consider myself brave but I’ll admit to being scared. Especially when we came upon an engraving by those who constructed the 338 steps — “Let those who tread here not forget, that these steps were not made of stone and mortar alone, but of sweat, blood, and agony.”

Although the trail whipped our tails, and we definitely had sweat and agony in that hot afternoon, we were so glad we made the journey.

Life isn’t always fun, and many times along our way the trails are steep, narrow, and stony. There are obstacles to overcome; it’s often hard to see where the path will lead and we wonder if we can make that next step. Just as my sweet husband provided strength and stability during my walk, God gives comfort in His word that He will be with us through every moment of our journey.

Wherever your path may lead, whatever hardships you may find along your way, you can be assured God will never leave you or forsake you. Keep walking friends, the journey at the end will be worth the trip.

“You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” ~ Psalm 16:11 (NASB)