So, for the first time since beginning this blog in 2009, I’ve been too sick to post.
One of my commitments as a Christian and a writer on this blog has been not to force a spiritual thought but to pay attention to the Holy Spirit and to life.
Until now, I haven’t had to do that.
On Friday, Jan 3rd, I hit my bed with a fever and a sore throat. By Sunday night, I felt recovered except for a cough. I worked Monday and Tuesday but by Tuesday afternoon, things began to go downhill.
Wednesday I dragged myself into a work appointment but had lost my voice and had to admit it was hard to breathe so I dropped by the doc’s office and was sent home with multiple meds and orders to rest.
The remainder of Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday is just a blur of blah. I’ve tried to rouse myself, read the Bible, find a spiritual application –
I’ve got nothing.
That’s hard.
It’s hard to lie here and be sick.
It’s hard to lie here and have nothing to offer.
It’s Saturday and I’ve managed to shower but now my head hurts and I’ve returned to bed – admitting defeat.
So, there it is.
Since 2009, I’ve blogged 3 times a week through work, family, stress, struggles, and crazy schedules but the flu bug and the sinus infection that joined it have done me in.
Prayers? I’d love your prayers. It’s humbling to ask because this isn’t even a major illness or injury – just the flu – but prayers would be good, thank you.
Prayers for recovery but also prayers that I could just be sick and continue to abide in God’s love and grace without condemning myself for weakness and for failing to accomplish anything while stuck in bed – unable to even conjure an original thought.
Have you ever struggled with that?
Prayers for my family picking up the slack.
Prayers against depression, self-pity, and malaise.
Ever been put flat on your back by something small and mundane? Ever have a setback over something that seemed ridiculously small to trip you up?
Yup, that’s where I am. Thanks for being patient. I hope to be back up and running next week.
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I’m praying.
Thank you, Kristin.
Praying for you! I realized a few days ago you were missing and prayed you were getting some rest. I thinking more along the lines of a vacation, but …
Take care of yourself.
Thanks, Tracy. I usually manage to blog even on vacation. This bug’s got me down for the count.
Praying for you and your family! So sorry you’re sick!
Thank you, Jennie!
People used to die from the flu long ago, Lori (wow…am I encouraging or what?!), so please don’t apologize for ‘just’ having it. It is obviously wreaking havoc with your body and your mind. It’s a privilege to pray for you, Lori — you whose writings have helped me so much as I’ve plodded through such an awful spiritual wilderness lately.
I feel confident enough to say everyone out there in the blogging community enjoys, is convicted, blessed, encouraged and inspired by your words here…but as much as we may miss seeing your posts for a little bit of time, we want you well even more so
Our Father God knows how exhausted and achey and weak you feel. He knows you’ve got nothing to offer right now. And that’s ok. He just wants you to lean on and rest in Him for a time.
And let your faithful friends, readers and siblings in Christ continue to lift you up to Him.
And now your words have ministered to me, Pam. It’s good to be in a big family, isn’t it? Thank you for your kindness and your prayers!
My wonderful husband brought “it” home from the shop on Wednesday, December 11, going to bed before lunchtime and staying there until Saturday morning. Working the next week was a struggle, especially since he was on mandatory overtime, but he made it through and by Christmas he was healthy.
Me? That’s a different story. I succumbed to the symptoms on the 21st and still have the phlegmy cough, although I’m much better, much stronger. Different physiques, different life challenges early on that impacted my life more than his, thus slower recovery.
Here’s what you need to know: Pam Manners is right. 🙂 You can only do what you can do and everyone — everyone! — understands this. We all will continue in prayer for you, thanking God for carrying you through this as He does for each of His children. Rest in that, dear one; rest….
All of Heaven’s best,
Margret
Thanks, Margret. Hope you’re 100% soon, too.
Praying that all your needs will be met by the One who knows best how that should be done. Rest.
Isn’t it the New England mind set that you must be doing at least two things at once or you’re not being useful? Sorta started with the Pilgrims. So do those two things: rest and sleep, repeat as often as necessary. We’ll pray while you sleep. MOMMA
Just the flu? Influenza kills – even young, healthy people. Take care of yourself, Lori! I’ll be praying!
Lori, just rest. There’s some nasty flues going around right now. Sounds like the one I’ve been hearing about here in Canada. Super nasty and holds on. Sometimes it’s okay to have nothing and just rest. I will pray.
Dear Lori:
I haven’t ever commented on your blog before, but I read it regularly. Some posts I agree with every little comma, others I don’t finish because I just can’t get into it. There are several that I have tucked away as “keepers.” You and I love the same Lord and are being used by Him in mighty ways.
I’m thinking that this is one of my favorite posts. Ever. Because sometimes we just need to be still. Be still and know that He is God. Simple. Profound. Nothing else. He is God. When I’m nothing – can’t even come up with an original thought – He is GOD. And He gives, and soothes and is sitting next to you, being God.
I read in my time with Him this morning, Exodus 34 – this is how He describes Himself: “The LORD, The LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”
I don’t know exactly why that hit me this morning, or why I’m sharing it with you. I find it amazing what God has to say about who He is. May we both be still and know…
As God gives you strength in your body in the days to come, may He also give strength to your soul, and your relationship with Him. We can never grow so close as to ever stop learning and experiencing who He is.
Grace to you in Rhode Island, from California.
You should comment more often – especially the ones you just can’t get into. 🙂 Iron sharpens iron, friend. Thank you for this.
Sending prayers! It’s honest, brave, and assertive to take a break to care for yourself and ask for healing prayers, exactly what I’ve come to expect from you after months of reading you blog. Honesty.