"There is a time for everything, a season for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to rebuild. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away. A time to search and a time to lose. A time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak up. A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace."
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
There is a time for all things. Life is made up of seasons, and seasons change. I've never liked change much, but I see that as a weakness in me. If we all refused to move on through the seasons of our lives, the world would be a mess. Where would be the rest and the renewal?
God has a good plan. Each season brings something new. And God offers us His hand so we can take it and confidently allow Him to lead us. I'm doing my best to do just that. I've had a big decision to make and have been thinking and praying about it for many months. I have decided it is time for me to move on. It is time to retire from writing.
If you've been following my blog you know that I have an eye disease that is stealing my vision. It has been progressing for several years, but I only recently discovered what it is - MacTel II.
It is similar to macular degeneration in that it destroys a person's central vision. But it is not the same disease. Presently there is no treatment or cure. Without a cure or God's intervention I will loose all of my central vision and will no longer be able to do things like read or drive a car of look at my loved one's faces. In recent months the progression has sped up. Simple things in life are becoming more difficult.
I have decided that spending time with my family and seeing as much of the world as I can while I can is most important. As I move along I will be listening to God. He will tell me what He has in store for me. I can trust Him.
I will be here on my blog as long as I am able. And I will still be spending time with my friends on Facebook.
I will not lie, it hurts to imagine not writing stories and it makes me sad. The whole idea of not being able to see the details of life is frightening and a bit infuriating. I am working through the emotions and I'm confident I will find my way.
I hope you will remember me in your prayers.
Grace and peace to you from God,
Bonnie
Bonnie, I'm so sorry this is happening. You're a creative woman so maybe that will be expressed in new ways. Maybe you can still write by recording your stories for someone to transcribe. Who knows. Anyway, enjoy your travels and your family time, have fun, and I'll see you on FB! Love, Sue Bakken
ReplyDeleteHey Sue.
DeleteThanks for stopping by with your words of encouragement. I don't know what's ahead for me, but I am open to hearing what God wants. If he has someone who will help with transcribing I'll give it a try. In His time.
Hugs to you.
Bonnie, I am so sorry. I will be praying for you. You are so right about seasons. And while the reason for this season is hard and disheartening, there will be joy to be found. Praying you will find unexpected blessings in the midst of the struggle. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sunni.
DeleteThe Lord bless you.
Awww, Bonnie. I had a feeling that this announcement would be coming, but I'd hoped it wouldn't come for years.
ReplyDeleteI've been praying for you and will continue to do so.
Hi Jennifer. I can still see well enough to write but it's very difficult and since I don't know how long I'll be able to see I just have to get out and see more of the world and the people I love. And I'm open to whatever God has in store for me. At least I'll do my best to listen and obey.
DeletePeace to yu.
oh Bonnie! I am so sorry. This is a major transition for you, and one that affects all of us who love your writing. I have always loved that quote, and glad it gives you peace as your find out what you are next called to do--and be. I also pray for you. I know you are surrounded by a loving family and friends who will do everythign possible to make this transition as easy as possible.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Billy. I cherish the days we spent working on our writing projects together - good times.
DeleteI don't like this particular transition, but I am thankful for my family, who as you said, are here to help however they can. The Lord has blessed me with a loving husband and children.
Hugs to you.
Bonnie, I am so sorry to learn this. You have shared so much of yourself through your books and have inspired many readers. We will all miss this gift you have shared with us. I am confident that God has something else in store for you and will pray that His love and guidance will supply all your needs.
ReplyDeleteHi Pam. Thank you for your words of encouragement. I agree and believe God has more for me to do. I look forward to discovering what it is.
DeleteBless you, friend.
Thinking about you today as you share this challenge and in the days ahead as you deal with it and find new ways to be blessed in your life. Hugs and prayers!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for caring and for your prayers.
DeleteMany blessings.
Bonnie, May God's loving Presence become even more real to you. I know you love the LORD with all your heart. Thank you for all the love you have shown to me over the years though we have rarely seen one another. The sense of your love and caring is still very real to me. Roberta
ReplyDeleteYou have always been a blessing to me. Love you, friend.
DeletePraying for you sweet friend. I'm sorry you're facing this. So many hugs
ReplyDeleteHi April.
DeleteThank you for your prayers and hugs. Right back at you, sweetie.
I'm so sorry you are losing your vision! I cherish my eyes because I love to read so much and have often wondered how blind people manage their daily lives. Will you be going to school to learn how to manage many tasks and chores? God bless you in this new venture. Perhaps you will be able to tell your story later on.
ReplyDeleteI will not lose all of my sight, which is a blessing. I will retain my peripheral vision. So thankful for that. I will need some guidance and believe it is available through in-home visits. I'll find out as I go. I'll try to keep followers up to date on what's happening.
DeletePeace to you.