Sometimes life goes the way we orchestrate it and sometimes it goes from being a sweet melody to a loud drum solo. Do you remember Animal from The Muppets? Well these past two weeks were more like one of his drum solos. Out of control!
Two weeks ago, on Sunday, was the most normal day I can remember up until today. I woke up had my coffee and began the day. I knew that I would be going to work after church so I got a head start on dinner. I love the crock pot. Stew was on and I was on my way out the door. Service was beautiful. And work was nuts. I got home well after 5pm and the family was already there hungry for the crock pot feast. We ate and watched football and a little comedy on t.v.. I was tired early so once everyone was gone I settled down for the night. Monday morning arrived and I woke up feeling a little "under the weather". As the week progressed my head got more and more congested. And the drum solo began.
The first few days I woke up at my normal 3am every morning and prayed and feasted on God's word. I always know when He has a message for me. He has a soft whisper as He gently awakens me and draws me to His feet. I found myself praying for wisdom, abundant grace and clarity. As I began to prayed for wisdom God directed me to the book of Romans. I felt my heart skip a beat. There have been multiple times throughout my life that God has used this book as an instruction manual to guide me through a phase in my life. He faithfully placed His word on my heart. I grabbed my Kindle and dimmed the screen, pulled the covers over my head and read. Feeling filled with grace I would start each new. And by the end of the day I felt depleted and defeated. I lost my temper on the phone with my west coast kid. Felt grumpy because my head was overwhelmed with nonsensical stuff. And wasn't feeling all that joyful, wise or clear.
With each passing day I felt sicker than the day before. As another work week was coming to and end I dreamed of on a quiet Saturday morning of sleeping in late. And I would eventually get up to start my cleaning, cooking and blogging. Instead I woke up with a new symptom to add to the sore throat and headache. The stomach decided to join the band. So I laid on the couch. And periodically got up and did a chore or two. Greg worked in the morning and I knew I had to prepare for the sweet adventures of our day. God has an amazing way of giving me just what when I need it. And sometimes I think He thinks too much of me. Greg and I went out to seek an adventure. We hadn't seen each other all week due to our conflicting work schedules. We tried to look for a Christmas Tree. I was a mess, grumpy and exhausted. The "drums" were playing so loud in my head I couldn't even think. I had been restless and coughing so much that I was getting on my own nerves. So we headed to the pharmacy in search of a remedy for my illness and picked up every product that I could think of to clear my head. And back to the couch we went.
Sunday morning arrived and I was feeling more horrible than ever. I prayed for healing. And felt compelled to go to urgent care. I went got treated and headed back home to the couch. Greg was working another 18 hour shift. He called the kids and said, "No Sunday dinner tonight." And I made myself chicken soup. And just rested.
As I laid there on the couch I realized that I had been such a brat. I asked to be filled with grace and God gave it to me. And because I felt ill I neglected to share His overflowing grace with those around me. I was short tempered all week and a bit self centered. So, I knew where I needed to go. It was time for me to sit in the palm of God's hand. And for a little while I sat there comfortably and read some verses in Romans. And as usual there He was. Comforting this brat. Yes, God met me on the couch and comforted me. You see He knew I need down time. And I won't ever voluntarily take it. So, there I was and He said, "Kathleen, you know that in all things I work for the good of those who love me. And you may not fully understand why I have slowed you down. But I do have a purpose." As I blew my nose and leaned over the sink, to administer the neti pot, I said, "Lord I will praise you in this "storm". The "drums" have been so loud that my thought are hard to process. I want to be congested with your grace and love. I pray that you give me wisdom." And once again I laid down for rest.
Another week passed by and the treatment that I had been prescribed at urgent care seemed to not be working. After being prompted by some of the most caring and loving co-workers, I called my family doctor for an appointment. I am not a fan of going to the doctor EVER. But I know that my body is a temple. And in order for me to faithfully be able to do what God has planned I need to get healthy. God is merciful! And we are to offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him. And once we are in the right frame of mind, body and health we are truly able to worship Him. I pray that when I get to this appointment that God will bless Dr. Paul with wisdom. And that He would give me the grace I need to not be an impatient patient.
God has great plans. And His promises are true. My prayer for each of you this wee is that you will be filled abundantly with God's amazing grace. And if you too are feeling "under the weather" that you feel God's healing hand upon you. If your head is congested with the things of this world I suggest you take a journey on the Romans road. Or perhaps you need to just take a moment and sit in the palm of His hand.
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