I'm feeling amazingly uplifted, ready to tackle my housework today, something I'm never very good at. Is it the Living Room meeting yesterday that put me into this good mood? I wouldn't be surprised. Those meetings always do wonders for me - in a magical sort of way.
We had a smaller turnout yesterday than we've had in past months - only twelve of us. I was a bit frustrated that we couldn't get a better discussion going around finding meaning in the midst of pain. I thought it was such a good topic, but everyone was so quiet. Is this such a foreign topic to most people that they haven't thought about this before? Am I alone in thinking along these lines?
Glad that my son and his wife are coming for dinner tonight. Glad that we're going to the Oregon Coast for a little holiday next week (hope the weather is good). Glad spring is coming. Glad my mood is up. I feel a freedom - an ambition to do some of the many things I've been putting off. Energetic. Thank you, God!
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!
About Me
- marja
- As a person with bipolar disorder and a faith in Jesus Christ, I write about mental health issues, esp encouraging a more understanding view by the Christian church. In an effort to help my church give support to people with mood disorders, I started a support group called "Living Room." Now groups are starting up elsewhere. I'm in my mid-sixties and feel I have a lot to share - the fruits of a "long" life - and I love doing that.
A Firm Place to Stand
Riding the Roller Coaster
Riding the Roller Coaster
Marja Bergen
7 comments:
Hi Marja,
it's me... :) new name, new blog. I decided to rejoin. I am so proud of you for all of your hard work with the Living Room. You have accomplished so much, you have so much blessing in your life! You inspire many, including me. Thank you for always being so encouraging and authentic.
Love, Jen
PS- Shelly will deliver a great big hug to you from me :)
Hey Jen!!! So glad to see you here again. You're sounding very up. That's good. I'll look forward to Shelly's hug.
Hi Marja,
It is always encouraging to see you full of faith and hope in God even in the midst of depression. It is not something easy to do for most people. Maybe that's why most will not know how to share of finding meaning in the midst of pain. The Lord will bless your faith in Him, and He will continue to give you the grace to find meaning in your pain.
So good to know you are better! Thank God for strengthening you. Hope you have a good time with your family and a refreshing holiday.
I thank God for a refreshing Lord's day and the spiritual feast that uplifted me and is strengthening me to live for our Lord in this week.
Take care.
Praying for you and family,
Nancie
Thank you, Nancie,
Yes, I'm very thankful for my new good spirits. And we're looking forward to our time away. Happy Sabbath day to you.
Marja,
I think it's very difficult for most people to discuss "meaning" when they're feeling low. It was probably easier for you because you're not. I find that I can discuss anything when I'm well, but when I'm depressed, I just want to figure how to get out of it.
Susan
Susan said, "I think it's very difficult for most people to discuss "meaning" when they're feeling low. ... I find that I can discuss anything when I'm well, but when I'm depressed, I just want to figure how to get out of it.
Thank you, Susan, for saying this. Ill mental health is like poor physical health- it distracts us, consumes us, and screams for resolution. It's survival time and a natural time of desperation for relief. That's when I find God is his most merciful and gracious to me- when I cannot feel him, am blinded, and unable to think the right things.
Cathy
Hi Cathy and Susan. Thank you for your comments.
You're probably right. It IS hard to see the meaning of life in the midst of depression...most of the time.
But I think back to a time last year when I went through a pretty deep depression and I found I could light a candle in that darkness by doing something simple like shopping for a few things for a friend who had no car. I was living in darkness, but the thought of being able to do something for this friend lit a spark. And the thought of talking about this candle in the dark at Living Room as a devotional a few days later, helped me cope with my darkness. I was still depressed, but this "candle" did help me cope.
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