Things I value Right Now

Things I Value Right Now-I got the idea for this blog one sleepless night. I
was lying there and thinking about the things that I value, or are important
to me, right now. In the condition that I am in at the present moment. Of
course, what I value most is my relationship with God and all the spiritual
activities that accompany it. Like reading the Bible, going to church, etc.
However, during that seemingly endless night, my thoughts wandered to other
things that are important to me at the present.

By far, the most valuable thing in my life right now is my computer. Not
liking change, I had to be talked into getting a computer, but now I am lost
without it. Except when I am in bed or go out, I am almost always using my
computer. It is my Bible (lots of difficult versions); it is my devotionals
(I read 4-5 most days); I use it for any writing I do (e-mails, letters and
these blogs); if visitors are not comfortable with my speech board, we use
the computer to communicate (provided that I am not in bed); and it is also my
source of entertainment (either to watch tv or read a good book).

One thing that I very much value is a good night's sleep. It doesn't happen
as often as I would like but, when it does, I feel so much better and more
able to face another long day. I also value sleep because it is a good way
to forget all of my negative circumstances. At least for a little while.
Once in awhile, I wish I that I could go into a coma until all this is over
so I wouldn't feel everything. Most of the time, though, I am glad to be
alert with a sharp mind.

One thing that means a lot to me is anything that distracts me from my own
thoughts. It seems like I am always in a battle to keep my thoughts in the
right place. Even more so now that I am determined not to give in to the
symptoms of cancer. One thing that always distracts me from my own thoughts
is  getting visitors. Sometimes it is just to chat. Listening to what is
going on in their lives helps take my mind off of my not-so-nice
circumstances. Other people just read to me. A good book works wonder in
helping me to forget things for awhile. My favorite visitors are my
"adopted" grandkids. Watching them play or having them climb all over me is
an easy way for me to forget my troubles. At least until they leave!

Another really good distraction from my thoughts is anytime that I have an
opportunity to chat with the nurses. They are really busy all the time and
my speech board is time-consuming so it doesn't happen all the time. Plus, I
admit, there are times I don't feel like talking. But, when it does happen
and whether we are joking around or having a serious discussion, it takes my
mind off of everything for the time being.

Going out always takes my mind off of me and my situation. Whether it is as
simple as a walk or a specific destination, it gives me a different
perspective. Different places and people to see. And, when I go out,I can't
go alone so there are people to talk to. To be honest, I seldom even think about
my circumstances when I am out and distracted by other things.

My times of "entertainment" also help to divert my attention. When I am
watching a good sporting event on tv, I get so engrossed that I forget
everything else for awhile. It is the same when I read. I have always been
an avid reader and could easily lose myself in a good book. Nothing has changed. Except now I do my reading on my computer instead of in a book. I just have to be sure that the "entertainment" times don't interfere with my "spiritual" times.

The final thing that gives me respite from my thoughts is simply by going to sleep. That is why I value sleep so much. While I am sleeping,  I don't have to listen to my thoughts racing round and round.

There! That is some things that are important to me in my day-to-day life. Nothing, though, is as important to me as God and time I spend with Him.