Wed., Jan. 9, 2019

John 11:4 – When he heard this, Jesus said, “This illness isn’t fatal. It’s for the glory of God so that God’s Son can be glorified through it.”

Some days … or weeks … just don’t turn out as anticipated.

On Sunday night, I sat down to plan the week. I was so excited! There seemed more “space” this week. More time to work on things I have just been waiting to do. This would be the week I would get things organized for 2019!

And then, Monday morning happened.

I went to my part-time job, as planned. It’s almost an hour drive. Enroute, I just didn’t feel right. I was tired. I became nauseous. I’m the type of person who usually “bucks up,” so I willed myself to “just get through the day.”

About an hour later, my buck-up attitude was highly diminished. Feeling like I could vomit any minute, I looked at my to-do list. What MUST I get done today? I would focus on these items.

By the end of the next hour, I realized that I was accomplishing very little. How would I get home if I really got ill at work, knowing it is nearly an hour drive? My boss had been out the previous week a couple days ill. He was empathic. I decided to go home.

For the next 24 hours, I spent over 23 of them in bed. Before Hubby Rick left for work, he suggested I move to a room with a TV, so I could watch a couple episodes of my favorite shows. I couldn’t even fathom this. I could only keep myself wrapped up in the electric blanket that is on our bed, trying to keep the chills away. After some texting with my friend, Lisa, who also happens to be a nurse, I knew that I needed to get some liquids in me. My attempt is the photo of my nightstand.

I know none of you need or want to hear about my latest bout of the flu. This isn’t what this blog is about. At some point, I realized that sometimes, our bodies know us better than we know ourselves. Sometimes, they want or even need to just shut down for a bit and be. Simply be.

Yes, it would be are agreeable for most of us if this happened in a way other than the flu. Unfortunately, most of us won’t allow ourselves this opportunity. Maybe our bodies take things into their own hands and force us into a little Sabbath time, whether we want it or not?

There was very little I wanted to do while in bed. Even reading, something that normally I look forward to, didn’t make the list. All I could do was rest, sleep, drink some fluids and pray. And repeat. And repeat.

No, I didn’t make out a fabulous list of goals for 2019. Or plan our next vacation. I could only curl up in my favorite position in bed and try to keep the flu symptoms at bay.

So what I could do? Appreciate that normally, I can do physically whatever I want. Feel blessed that I haven’t had a day or two like this in maybe 10 years. (Yes, I’ve had a few days where I haven’t felt great. But nothing like this where I really couldn’t do anything but lay in bed.) Count my blessings that I am a very healthy person who has no significant health issues. Pray for those who struggle with their health EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Would have I preferred to do so other things during this forced Sabbath? You bet. Do I have a greater appreciation for those many things I take for granted every day? You bet. Will I try to be thankful for the littlest things in life today? I sure hope so.

As anticipated, 48 hours later I am feeling much, much better. Rather than seeing these two days as “lost” days, I pray that I recall this forced Sabbath as a little blessing in my life this week. Yes, I have had moments when I feel frustrated that some things, I planned to do this week will get pushed to later. But it’s OK. A little Sabbath is worth it.

For unexpected Sabbath and time to just be, I am grateful.

Almighty God – how thankful I am for my health. How thankful I am that on most days, I can do whatever I wish physically.  I lift up those who struggle physically every day. May I be more gracious towards them. Thank you for this small gift of Sabbath this week, even if it came packed very differently from what I would have preferred. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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