Cabin Fever, Concussions, & Contusions

This time of the year I start to get what is known as “Cabin Fever.”  It’s not quite spring yet, (at least here in Colorado) and when there isn’t any snow on the ground, things seem brown, dirty and messy.  I have to admit, it’s my least favorite time of year.  It’s not really warm enough to open up the windows and air things out for very long either!   It can get a bit depressing.

In my attempt to make it feel like spring is on the way, I try to get outside every day for either a walk, or a trip to the dog park with my favorite canine Husky friend, Lakita.  Last Saturday I was babysitting my daughter’s puppy as well.  She has an adorable little Shih-Tzu / Malti-poo mix named Half-Pint who is full of grit and vinegar!

Now usually my dear hubby braves it and goes with me to the dog park, but since he has been down with this nasty cold that is going around, we decided it was best for him to stay home and rest.  So I loaded up the dogs and attempted to make the trek myself.  We have a gorgeous 16 acre dog park that is about a 15 minute drive from our house, and it is always a nice getaway.   The dogs can run their little hearts out while we get our exercise as well. 

I arrived at the park and everything seemed to be going smoothly.  I had already walked my three times around when suddenly I saw several big dogs running full force after little Half-Pint.  Since rescuing things (people, animals, etc.) is in my nature, without thinking, I bent down to grab Half-Pint before the big dogs could get her.  Well of course they weren’t paying attention, and Lakita ran full force into my head, jamming my neck and leaving a huge bump on my head.  Oh course those who saw it were concerned, and asked me if I was okay.  To save embarrassment, I said “Oh I am fine.”   What I didn’t realize, until I got in the car, was that my eye was hurting too.  Evidently, Lakita’s tooth must have caught right below my eye, leaving a nice little gash.  As of today, it is a nice black and blue color.  My head has been pretty painful the past couple of days, so I am pretty sure I have a slight concussion.

Needless to say, I am seeing my chiropractor today to work out some issues, but it just goes to show, from one day to the next, we never know what life holds for us.

But what I do like about this time of year is that I know spring is around the corner.  It gives me a sense of hope and anticipation.  Again the trees will be budding, the flowers will be in bloom, and the grass will once again be green.  My daughter and I are already planning our weekly hikes, and I know that before long, I will be able to pull out my summer clothes, and feel that warm sunshine on my skin again.

This may be a season for you in your life where things aren’t going the way you had hoped or planned.  You are feeling like “spring” may never come.  Maybe you are struggling in your marriage.  Maybe you have a teenager that is challenging you.  Maybe you have been dealing with an illness.  Whatever the case may be, let me assure you that spring is on its way.  Things don’t stay the same forever. 

There is a favorite scripture of mine that says: “I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

When things aren’t going my way, I try to remind myself of how blessed I truly am.  I know God has my life in His hands, and is working all things together for my good.  It may not be in my time, but He will see me through the tough times and the good times, and He will see you through as well.

I’d love to have you share a time when you thought you weren’t going to make it, but God has been there to see you through your circumstances.

Janna