We all get sick sometimes. How we handle sickness, makes all of the difference.
I was sick a couple of weeks ago and finally gave in and went to see my doctor. It was a sinus infection. I knew it was. I knew I needed an antibiotic. I had known for a couple of days, but I kept putting it off. I just didn’t have time to be sick. I felt so bad by the time I went, I had to come home and crash on the couch where I lamented about my physical human weakness.
Why did I have to be sick? I was just so busy. If I were a stronger person, I could just power through it. As I was beating myself up, I felt like God whispered to me. “You are rarely sick. You have been blessed with very good health. For you to expect to never be sick, would be for you to expect to be greater than human. You are not.”
He was right of course. I’m ashamed to admit that I can throw a “not fair” tantrum that rivals a toddler’s when my to-do list gets piled up and I’m out of commission. I act as if there’s ever a really good time to get sick, maybe the Tuesday after my kids leave home? Let’s face it; there is no good time.
When our bodies get sick, and they will from time-to-time, on this side of heaven, we really are honoring God, when we slow down to heal. Our physical bodies are a gift, a temple, so to speak, and when we take care of ourselves when we are sick, we are thanking God for the gift of our physical bodies and doing our part to restore them to full capacity.
When we just keep going on a fraction of our best physically, we can’t possibly do our very best to serve. I think we owe it to ourselves and to our Maker to make the best effort to heal. This may involve a doctor visit and a nap. While a nap may seem the complete opposite of true worship, perhaps in certain seasons, it’s one and the same.
My son was sick last week. This kid normally gets perfect attendance at school every year. After I gave him several over the counter medications and some coffee and he still couldn’t get off the couch, I knew he was sick. When I told him he would have to see the doctor, he told me that was fine and went back to sleep.
This is one of those times when kids instinctively, get it right. When they are sick, they rest. They don’t feel a deep desire to go to school and get it done. They realize that life will go on, even if they check out for a day. They lose this wisdom by high school, but they do seem to be born with it.
The Bible tells us that when we get to heaven that, “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Until then, we will have some sick days. I’m going to try to be more patient with my humanity the next time I get sick and honor God by taking time to rest and heal. What about you? How do you do with sick days? I’d love to hear from you.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂