Joan C. Webb
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Life Coaching
    • Life Coaching Brochure
    • What Others Say about Life Coaching
    • LifePlan Brochure
  • Enneagram Coaching
    • What others say about the Enneagram Coaching
    • Contact Joan About Enneagram Coaching
    • Enneagram Spiritual Formation Coaching Resources
  • The Intentional Woman
    • The Intentional Woman Mission/Vision
    • The Intentional Woman Authors
    • IW LifePlan
  • Freebies
  • Books
    • Nourishment for New Moms
    • The Intentional Woman
    • The Relief of Imperfection
    • It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life
    • Everyday Wisdom
    • Devotions for Little Boys and Girls
    • Meditations for Christians Who Try to Be Perfect
    • Joan's Writing Contributions
  • Connect with Joan
    • About Joan
    • Listen to Joan

   Joan's BLOG

Thankful for this??

11/25/2009

0 Comments

 
Picture
Ironic Gratitude

I tried to hide it, but after a while it oozed out. Against all my resolve to “pray and serve” it away. The work, overwork, obsessive caring, disappointments, denial, exhaustion, pretending, pain, threatened relationships, physical illness, confusion, and isolation spun into burnout. Not my plan.

It led to the loss of a career, my dreams, my personhood, emotions and normal thinking processes. (I thought I’d never have a complete understandable thought again.) I felt abandoned by God and other people. And I’m supposed to “give thanks in all things!” How could I possibly say thank you for this?

HELP!

Yet, after admitting my need, seeking help, readjusting my mis-beliefs about life, ministry, work and God–and learning new habits–I quietly, timidly started to say, “Yes, Lord, surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.” (*Isaiah 38:15-19)

The career/ministry/relationship burnout (yes, all three! They overlapped.), the failing business, the pain and numbness  forced me to admit my need, and regardless of the consequences, do something about it. Not with elation or pride did I or do I now say, “Thanks.” It was not a pleasant way to learn! Yet God restored me to health and let me live. And only the living can praise or thank him. Even though it’s “ironic gratitude”,  I amgrateful.

HOPE

If your hope is fading, God IS. . .  He’s not mad at you. He’s waiting for you. He will restore you. Even though you can’t feel Him–perhaps only your head (and not your heart) knows His love at the moment. Reach out your hand. He’s right there. Join Him in the healing process. There is HOPE. You’ll get your life back.

* Isaiah 38:15-19: “You restored me to health and let me live. Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from…destruction… The living, the living—they praise you, as I am doing today.”

YOUR TURN FOR UNLIKELY THANKS?


What unlikely thing are you quietly grateful for this Thanksgiving?


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Picture

    Joan C. Webb

    Writing, teaching, coaching to empower and set free.
    Joan is an inspirational speaker, Bible teacher, Life Coach, and author of 13 books including It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life, The Relief of Imperfection, The Intentional Woman. She does consulting, as well as Life Coaching, for writers, speakers, ministry leaders and entrepreneurs.

    Connect with Joan.  

    Enter your email address:

    Delivered by FeedBurner

    RSS Feed

"Are you tired? Come to me. ...Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."
​Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)

INTERACT WITH JOAN

About Joan

​Connect

​Books

​Listen to Joan
Photos used with permission from Future Photo Group

Copyright 2022 Joan C. Webb
SPIRITUAL DIRECTION

FREE RESOURCES

Relief of Imperfection
​Chart


​Wheel of Life Inventory

​Feelings Chart

​Coaching and Mentoring

LIFE COACHING

Tell Me about Life Coaching

​What Others Say
ENNEAGRAM COACHING
Enneagram Coaching and
​Consulting


What others say about the Enneagram Coaching
​

Contact Joan About Enneagram Coaching
​
​
Enneagram Resources
​
​

THE INTENTIONAL WOMEN

IW LifePlan

​IW 5-Step Process
Picture
Photos used under Creative Commons from edenpictures, Renee Silverman, whologwhy, Jaime Olmo, Monkey Mash Button, mealmakeovermoms, peasap, Thomás, flik, Evil Erin, kennethkonica, JLStricklin, marioanima, jubileelewis, tswicegood, fhwrdh, Irwin-Scott, raymond_zoller, xindilo, Kumaravel, Tucker Sherman, h.koppdelaney, torbakhopper, Thomas Rousing, Patrick Hoesly, Sharon Mollerus, Por mi tripa..., Parker Knight, analogophile, JD Hancock, marimbajlamesa, ellyn., Nathan O'Nions, jessleecuizon, ZiarciRose, Alan Cleaver, BékiPe, kevin dooley, libertygrace0, Ryk Neethling, LadyDragonflyCC *TY for 500,000 views! *, Leonid Mamchenkov, Danielle Scott, GabrielaP93
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Spiritual Direction
  • Life Coaching
    • Life Coaching Brochure
    • What Others Say about Life Coaching
    • LifePlan Brochure
  • Enneagram Coaching
    • What others say about the Enneagram Coaching
    • Contact Joan About Enneagram Coaching
    • Enneagram Spiritual Formation Coaching Resources
  • The Intentional Woman
    • The Intentional Woman Mission/Vision
    • The Intentional Woman Authors
    • IW LifePlan
  • Freebies
  • Books
    • Nourishment for New Moms
    • The Intentional Woman
    • The Relief of Imperfection
    • It's a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life
    • Everyday Wisdom
    • Devotions for Little Boys and Girls
    • Meditations for Christians Who Try to Be Perfect
    • Joan's Writing Contributions
  • Connect with Joan
    • About Joan
    • Listen to Joan