Some seasons demand more than we expect—they ask us to pause and simply rest. The past several months have been one of those seasons for me—not because of practical challenges or medical complexities, but because of the sheer weight of reality. This wasn’t a struggle I could push through with grit or a positive attitude. It asked something different of me.
It asked me to slow down.
To surrender control.
To trust God without rushing ahead or asking for immediate answers.
Carried by Others
Along the way, there were moments when I longed for Jesus but struggled to reach Him. Not because He wasn’t near, but because I was overwhelmed, exhausted, and consumed by what was unfolding around me. In those moments, my family and friends carried me, lifting me when I couldn’t lift myself. Through their prayers, their words, and their presence, I was reminded that God often meets us through the faith of others—especially when our own feels fragile.
Signs of Life
This isn’t my first experience with recovery, but it has been the most demanding. My body has demanded more time, patience, and grace than ever before.
Because of that, recovery has been teaching me something new. Healing isn’t about rushing or figuring everything out at once. It’s about noticing the small signs of life returning. Joy sneaks back in quietly, and gratitude rises in places fear once sat.
Recently, the Lord impressed something simple and freeing on my heart: Don’t rush. Don’t push. Don’t try to figure everything out right now. The time will come to jump back in. Until then, rest, relax, and heal.
That permission has changed everything.
Rest Isn’t Quitting
I’m learning that rest isn’t quitting. Pausing isn’t falling behind. Healing isn’t passive—it’s holy work. Trusting God sometimes means resisting the urge to explain, plan, or perform and simply receiving what He’s doing quietly behind the scenes.
This season has stretched me, but it’s also been filled with grace. I feel deeply blessed. I feel protected. I feel held. And I feel genuinely grateful to be here, breathing, laughing, reflecting, and slowly stepping forward with hope.
Remember This
If you find yourself in a season that feels heavier than you expected, I hope you remember: you don’t have to rush through it. God isn’t in a hurry. Healing unfolds on His timeline, not ours. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is rest and trust that He is at work, even when we cannot see it.
What are you grateful for today? How might you find joy in the pause?
Read my latest health update on CARINGBRIDGE
The story of my first double-lung transplant: Breathing in the Unexpected
Beautifully written Lana! I forwarded the link to a friend who is sitting at the bedside of her very sick husband. She too is a doer.
Please keep Keesey and his family and doctors in your prayers, he’s part of a cancer study. God is so good to us, but, the unknown is hard to rest thru.
We know the part about healthy eating and regular exercise. Sometimes we forget the reminder that recovery is when one actually gains strength. You, however, take it to a new level. A lesson to keep close at hand in case my turn comes. Exercise may not always be the best medicine. Not when rest and recovery are called for. Thanks for your thoughtful insights. We send our well-wishes, our love and support.
Exactly what I needed today. 2025 has been a challenging year. Needed to be reminded to pause and rest .Also to turn it all over to God and trust.
Thank you for sharing, this time of year I
think we all could use this advice! Love you my friend!