We all dream of spending a day in bed. One day when pause is pressed on the world and on your life. One day when demands, deadlines, screaming children, family dramas and the never ending pile of washing are put on hold. One day of your favourite series on Netflix, a new novel, a trashy magazine, a hot cup of tea, a warm blanket to snuggle under, and a rainy dreary day outside. One day in bed. Just one day.
But what happens when one day becomes two days. And two days becomes three, and before you know it a week has passed, then another, and then it's a month. And without warning this stretches to more months, and even on to years. And at that point you start dreaming for just one day.
One day when you could go to work and make a difference in the lives of others. One day when you could use your intellect and creativity to present projects and proposals. One day when you could run around in the backyard with your children. One day to celebrate family birthdays. One day to shop, cook, and clean for yourself. Just one day.
Just one day is the dream of so many living with chronic illnesses. One day when the pain, the limitations, the nausea, the fatigue, the repetition and dreariness are all put on hold. A day when you can live with spontaneity. A day where you can follow your dreams. A day when you can get up, shower, get dressed and have energy to face the day. A day where there are no medical appointments or medical bills looming. One day.
Quite often I hear from others around me, “I would love to spend a day in bed.” But when that day is everyday and a reality for so many, the perspective changes.
I don’t know if I will have my one day here in my life time. I don’t know if my chronic illness will allow me that opportunity. I don’t know if my body will be healed.
I do know that there is still hope of One Day. One Day when the new heaven and the new earth are ushered in. One Day when there is no more crying, and no more pain. One Day when the troubles and tribulations of this earth will be swept away. One Day in front of my Saviour, the one whom makes this One Day possible. The one who has set me free. The one whom allows me to make it through one more day, every day…so that one day I will celebrate that One Day.
‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4