7 Things I’m Learning – In Times of Sickness

Let’s face it – the last three weeks in particular have been pretty difficult.  Both Shari and I have been sick off and on – well, in Shari’s case, pretty much “on”.  So it’s made me reflect – what have I learned?  Or maybe I should say, what should I have learned – or what do I want to learn?

1. We sure help each other (normally):  When we’re not sick, or when just one of us is sick, Shari and I help each other – a lot.  All of a sudden, when you can’t help as much as you want, or the other person can’t, you sure notice it!  But it’s a reminder to be thankful for the other person.
2. We still help each other a lot:  So when we’re sick, we can’t do as much – but even then, we can help each other a little.  And I’m especially thankful for those little things.  Shari is awesome.
3. Those little things sure pile up!  I mean, those little things (or big things) that we do every day.  Sure, we haven’t been in bed all day (most days), but when we’re up we’re dealing with the urgent things – and, boy, do those little non-urgent things add up!  I guess I already knew this one.  Just thought I’d complain about it.
4. We’re sinners:  Er – – mostly me!  Sure enough, when you’re sick and tired, you can try to be kind, considerate, and to smile – but it sure ain’t the natural inclination!  And who knows?  Maybe this post is just an opportunity to complain and try to sound “spiritual” about it!
5. God can still use us:  God is gracious – even in times of sickness, He still uses us.  When we are weak, he is strong.  If I can’t go to the whole activity, I can go to part of it.  If I can’t go, I can prepare for a study at home.  If I can’t, I can lie in bed and pray.  Yes, He can use us.
6. Everyone gets along fine without us:  No, we’re not indispensable.  It’s not fun to know things are happening when you can’t be a part of it.  But – lo and behold – everything functions fine without us.  God really does have everything under control, even when it feels like it’s going out of control.
7. Heaven is better:  All these things in life are big signposts, pointing us to something better – Heaven!  Being close to the Giver of Life, having left death and sickness far behind.

Maybe this is only a small trial – or maybe it really doesn’t count as a “trial” – but still these words of Peter seem to apply:

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

1Peter 1:3-7