A while ago I wrote on my personal FB about a crab apple tree in my yard, how we cut it down and then how its remnants ruined part of my lawn. Here it is:

The weekend of Nov. 18th was 4 years since I came down with what we eventually learned was COVID. “You have a spot on your lungs but we’re not quite sure what it is,” they said.

For four months, I spent most of my time on the couch or in bed. It was so much energy to walk and talk. It was so much energy to live. That sounds so dramatic and it didn’t feel serious when I was in it, but looking back, I know how lucky I am.
For a year, I couldn’t take a deep breath, lay on my stomach, or laugh deeply. Three things I very much enjoy. But for a year, they hurt too much or my body simply would not comply.

Here I am on the four-year mark of the start of that journey:

Capturing a moment when we were laughing so hard, we were crying. We were laughing so hard, it was a blur. A wonderful, full-bodied, hilarious blur.

So, I’ve seen the “growing back lovelier than ever”, and it was nice to be reminded of it as I continue praying for miracles in the lives of those I love. It was nice to be reminded of how weak I was, and how strong I now am. It was nice to celebrate with deep breaths in the sunshine, and with a head-to-toe laughing fit with my girl. I waited and hoped. I was very well cared for. I was prayed for. I tended to myself with an impressive collection of teas, soups, meds, and naps. And here I am, living a life that’s lovelier than ever.

May it be so for you, as well.

Psalms 27:13-14 (NIV)
I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.