Up from the grave . . .

Yes, I know that we just finished Thanksgiving, not Easter . . .

And yes, I certainly was not dead, just out cold (or hot! or both!) with a tummy bug . . .

But today, for the first time in three plus days, I got up from bed, was able to shower and eat a little food. Wow, that bug hit me hard!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration on Friday including enough food to feed an army and a special worship service together. Our family finally packed up and left about 7:30, and I was due to be at a wedding rehearsal for our friends Lisa and Victor at 8:30! I knew I was tired, but didn't realize I was starting to be sick. Thankfully I was able to participate in the wedding as planned the next day (I played the piano! My first time ever playing for a wedding!), and by the time we arrived home from the reception I crawled into bed and basically didn't get up until this morning.

Being sick always serves me to remind me of something I tend to forget: I am not God. I am not superhuman, even. I am weak. My body can get sick. In a time of sickness, it is so easy to give into sin: snap at the children, be impatient with a husband who is doing his best, be aggravated at noise in the house, and the list goes on. I saw in myself a pretty distinct lack of the fruits of the Spirit in those days. Worst of all, being sick like that takes all your energy--it's very difficult to focus your mind to read the Word, pray, or be concerned for others. Sickness can be all-consuming and overwhelming.

So what did I gain from my sickness? Several blessings, which I am thankful for. First, that reminder that I'm not God, that I'm humbly dependant on His mercies each day, even for the strength to get up and brush my teeth, much less serve the needs of my family. As well, even this brief bout of sickness rekindled the empathy I have for others who are struggling with chronic sickness. Our good friends Chip and Doris Stam are right now facing round three of treatments for Chip's cancer. He has maintained an attitude of thankfulness and joy through it all that gives such glory to God--and cannot be easy. This brief incident also reminds me how we are to give thanks in ALL circumstances. By His strength, I can be thankful that I got sick. I saw anew His mercies to me, was blessed by my husband's care, realized again what a mercy it is to be able to eat and drink, and am so thankful to be up and moving around--something I took completely for granted last week.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His lovingkindness endures forever!

Thanksgiving pictures coming soon!