Today is not going as planned. After several days of feeling a little under par- the full blown ‘bug’ hit me last night. Several dozen trips to the little boys room later and I have had to cancel appointments and ‘give in’ to the fact that I am not very well. And if I am honest- I am just not very good at being ill. It is inconvenient, frustrating and not a little boring. And yet when I rise from my slumber I feel so weak I am unable to do anything anyway grrrrr how annoying!
Yet days like these have some spiritual benefits, however meagre. Firstly because they provide insight into the lives of those who must live wih illness as a daily reality. How easily we take health for granted. And how quickly we sometimes dismiss the suffering of others. So today is helping me to have empathy with the sick and the suffering whom we pray for each day.
Secondly I have extra time for prayer and such time is never wasted… this unforseen pause in the hectic pace of parish life has allowed, nay forced me, to offer much of what is ongoing into God’s hands. So it may even help not hinder the process in hand.
Thirdly I am taught a little humility. I need to accept help from others, accept that I am not able to ‘do all’ and also accept that life can go on without me. And such humble outlook is a useful thing.
So here I remain – laptop in hand, sick and bored- but not without some tiny crumbs of spiritual consolation.
Lord we pray for those who live with pain and discomfort as a daily reality. We pray for those who have no hope of cure on earth. As we suffer insignificant and minor ailments- may we use them to empathise with those less fortunate than ourselves. Amen
So sorry to hear that you are unwell. Hope that you get well soon. In the meantime I will offer prayers for you.
Get well soon, at least you are able to put your affliction to spiritual use and keep out of hayley’s hair.
Regards