Living within the constraints of chronic illness, or other limitations, needn’t mean living a limited life.
We may have to be more creative in the ways we seek soul sustenance.
Have support and input from others, perhaps.
Imagination and insight play their part.
Freedom can be found in unexpected ways and places.
I am discovering how my mind and spirit can roam free even if my body cannot.
And how feeling chained is a state of mind.
Being captive to circumstances is a choice.
Being free is another.
‘Freedom’
I’m blue-sky
thinking,
dreaming, drifting,
white-clouded
pillow-sinking
A vast horizon
hones into view ~
inviting, enticing,
warmly beckoning
to me and to you
Feel the sand yield
beneath your feet,
salt-tangled breeze,
melting mists that
waft and greet
Wet pavements glistening
in the sun,
as we shuffle,
amble, or break
into a run
Noisy clamour of
a city-busy throng,
elbowing, thrusting
through crowds
to where we belong
Stinging crystalline snowflakes
bite our faces,
reshaping the familiar
into landscapes
of inaccessible places
Even when confined
to bed or chair,
my unfettered mind
is free
to roam anywhere
All it takes
is a pause, glimpse, a look,
with time to reflect ~
on the words and images
contained in a book.
©JoyLenton2012
**NOTE** As you can see, this is one of my ‘here’s one I made earlier’ poems for such a time as this. It originally appeared on this post on my blog, ‘Words of Joy’, where I spoke about adjusting to loss, and the freedom we can have in Christ.
Poetry Joy 
I need blue sky thinking today. Absolutely beautiful Joy. We’re clouded up here, but I want my thinking to override the gray sky as well as mounting fears. Fears which are always smaller than our big God. Loved your poem.
Thanks, Anne; that means a lot to me. It’s far longer than most, so well done for reading it all! I definitely need reminding of life ‘outside’ my four walls and how much bigger the whole picture is than my own limited view of things. Trust and hope combine to keep us encouraged. As you so rightly say, “Fears which are always smaller than our big God.” Praying for you to know the comfort of His Presence and the peace of perfect Love which casts out fear. 🙂 x
I love this Joy, too often we are boxed in by the walls in our mind. Just because our limbs might not be up to running there is no reason why our minds can’t run free.
Absolutely, Mandy. Our mind and spirit can travel places we fail to reach in our bodies! You are so right in saying, “too often we are boxed in by the walls in our mind” ~ and yet there is hope; we can learn to break free. Bless you for taking time (and energy) to read and reply, my friend. It means a lot to see you here and to know this has resonated with you too. Thank you 🙂 xx
Beautifully written.
Thank you, Akriti. I appreciate you stopping by. Bless you 🙂
…”Freedom can be found in unexpected ways and places.” Yes! You are so right Joy. I had a few rare moments this morning to read and be blessed by His vessels. I am so very happy I found this “blue sky” Time can swallow you up, and steal precious jewels. Your beautiful words took me to a place where I breathed in the fresh air of tomorrow promises! God bless you my friend. 🙂 xx
Kathy, how true it is that “Time can swallow you up, and steal precious jewels”, as you so beautifully describe it. Each moment, each breath, each day is gift and grace. Sometimes it takes emergence from a spell of hardship and challenge to waken us up to God’s continual outpouring we may have missed or taken for granted. Yes, let’s aim to breathe in “the fresh air of tomorrow’s promises” and have gratitude in the waiting period. Bless you, my friend, for your insightful and encouraging words! 🙂 xx
This is lovely! It really speaks to beauty releasing our spirit in spite of weakness & pain.
Thank you, Amy! I’m so glad you could relate to this. Our spirits can soar even when our bodies are chained to earth. Bless you for stopping by. 🙂