Virus

I can remember exactly one year since 1989 when I have not been sick either during or immediately following Christmas. It was last year. It seems my body has returned to its usual pattern. Although I have to admit, it tricked me yesterday be feeling good most of the day, and then sent me to bed with a sore throat and sleepless night.

Being sick always means I spend A LOT more time praying. This is what I do as I lie in bed and try not to dwell on how lousy I feel. I give thanks for my amazing family... my husband has spent the better part of three days now herding the kids so that I can get some rest. My kids have been remarkably good, especially considering Christmas is in a few days. (I think Christmas "excitement" is what parents make of it when kids are 2 and 4... we keep it a bit on the low key side.) I have prayed for our Christmas worship services and for each person God has brought to my mind as I lie there. That is one of my favorite prayer excercises...to simply see who God brings to mind. I never cease to be amazed by the ways God brings someone to mind, and when I mention it later, they had a specific need for prayer.

And I have said to God many times, as I think about all of the worship services in my future: it's up to you Lord. Cleary, I am not up to the task.

This is of course always true, but every time I get sick, this truth sinks a bit more deeply into my being... it's up to you Lord....clearly, I am not up to the task. The best part of reaffirming this truth is that I have experienced the Spirit carry me through so many times, I have no doubt worship will be well cared for.

Now if I can just ride the wave of the Spirit all through Christmas dinner preparations....