Finding the Good

By Maureen Konopka, Director of Music Ministry

It is no secret that I have been struggling with some health issues over the last couple of months.  I am typically a very active person. I am one of those people who enjoys working out, and good sweat makes me happy. So when I suddenly found myself in a position where I could barely stand or walk, a condition which continues to persist, I find myself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually drained.

After months of pain and being uncomfortable, fighting with insurance, seeing various medical professions, and not having many answers as to what is wrong, I find myself with a new challenge: Do I let this “new normal” make me miserable, or do I look for the positives and keep pushing on?  Some days are easier than others… today, not so much. But no matter what kind of day it is, I find myself constantly supported by the people around me. I feel surrounded by prayers, which gives me hope and helps me to stay positive.

I am beyond blessed for the some of the people trying to help me get better, but one moment truly stood out to me.  As I was finishing up an appointment a few weeks ago, my doctor said he was praying for me.  Now, I already knew he was religious; we had had a good conversation about faith in a different appointment. But I wasn’t expecting to hear he would be praying for me. As I drove home, I continued to think about it. I assumed that he prayed for all his patients or said that to everyone, but as I entered my next appointment, he surprised me when he said he had been praying for me that morning.  He prayed not only for me, but for God to help him find a way to help me. He went on to explain that he doesn’t pray for all his patients—just the ones that he feels led to.  When I left the appointment, I can’t say that I physically felt any better, but I felt emotionally better, which helped me to remain positive.

To be perfectly honest, over the last several months, I haven’t said a prayer for myself.  That may sound silly, but I understand where I am at physically right now. It’s not great, but I can manage, and I have figured out ways to do most of the things that I need to do.  I know that there are so many people who are suffering with life-threatening diagnoses, those going through major life changes, and others who are struggling with other challenges far greater than what I am facing. I am not saying this to sound righteous, but I know I am able to handle what I have been dealt and I feel my prayers are needed for others.

I believe that I have been able to remain positive through these last couple of months because of all of you. Since July when this started, I have talked to so many of you and I have received texts, calls, and emails expressing concern—but most importantly, offering prayers for me.  The thought that anyone would take extra time to ask for prayers for me has been very humbling and powerful.

As I continue to talk to many of you about my situation and the steps I am taking, I am amazed that it is the first time I have been able to talk to some of you.  I have been at Dutilh for four years, but due to the requirements of my job on Sundays I don’t really have much time to chat with anyone. We know each other from a distance, but we are limited in our interactions. I have enjoyed talking to so many of you, either bonding over ailments or just chatting, and I am glad that we have had the opportunity to come together in fellowship—even though it’s not the greatest of circumstances.

So, yes, my current health issue is miserable. I can’t wait until the day I can touch my toes or pet my dog without pain. But I feel so blessed by everyone that it is hard to be miserable.  The silver lining to my issues is that I have realized that I am surrounded with wonderful people.  I am blessed with a great husband and kids who take care of me (or yell at me when I try to do things), a ministry full of people who will do anything I need (and will also yell at me when I try to do things I shouldn’t), and most importantly a church of supporters keeping me in their thoughts and prayers.  The support and prayer that I continue to receive keeps me going and I am hopeful that soon, someone will figure out what is wrong with me.

As you go about your day and you face the unknown challenges that lie ahead, I encourage you to look for those silver linings and keep pushing on.  There will always be something in life will challenge you and try bring you down, but it is up to us to see the good in the bad, or we will let the bad win.