Monday, May 11, 2015

I HATE BEING SICK


I really, really do.

And as I type this, I am sick.  Yuck.

The inside of my nose feels like it's been torched by a flamethrower.  My throat feels like I've swallowed fiberglass.  I can’t taste my food because my sinuses are so plugged up.  My body feels like I've gone twelve rounds with a heavyweight boxer.  My head is doing a rather fantastic job of imitating a jackhammer.  And I just might have a fever.

You can probably tell, too, that I am not a good sick person.

I complain…a lot.

First of all, I'm just mad that I'm sick in the first place.  Somehow I view it as a personal failure.  Like there's something wrong with me because I can't fight off each and every germ that comes my way.  I get angry with my body for being fragile.  I also get kinda perturbed because I am the queen of waterless soap.  Seems like I should be rewarded for my cleanly habits with ever-present good health, right??


Second, I don't do well with the symptoms.  

I am annoyed by symptoms.

I get frustrated with stuffiness.  I don't like having my ears painfully plugged up.  "What??"  I can't stand trying to find a comfortable position for my aching joints.  (Just call me The Princess and the Pea – although you might want to wait until I'm not sick anymore…)  And I hate waiting the 2 or 3 days it takes before my very sore throat gets *coated* and I can swallow easier.

Of course, I also try incessantly to discover why I got sick in the first place. I do this because then I reason I can avoid doing this again.  But, in this crazy world, there are innumerable places that we come in contact with "stuff" – and we are always susceptible to invasion.  Even in spite of waterless soap.


When I'm sick, I get awfully cranky moody.

I start feeling sorry for myself, and I want company all the time.  My poor husband.  He can't disappear for five minutes without me calling him.  "I'm lonely.  Where are you?  Come sit in here by me."

Illness = Instant Regression to 5 Years Old.

I sometimes cry – though I try to limit crying until my throat feels better. Nothing like a good sob to inflame fiberglass.  So, usually I just whimper a lot.

And, I just love how I look when I get sick.

My long hair is all tangled in the back of my head like the rear side of a tapestry.  I avoid brushing my teeth.  My eyes are watery and red.  My skin is pale.  I stay in the same clothes for days.  I am a living example of the verse in 1 Peter that says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment…"

Nope, not winning any pageants here – unless it's "Mrs. Congested Uncongeniality of 2015."


But, I've got to tell you something – "The Hub" is an amazing nurse.  

He brings me all sorts of stuff, and sits with me, and mutters nice words of pity and encouragement.  He rubs my feet and pats my head, and really does all he can to make me feel better.

He tells me he'd rather be sick than me.  That he'd take it upon himself so I wouldn't have to suffer.

And you know what?  He means it!!

And in these blistering days of brain fog, I realize one thing that's true.


My husband is being like Christ to me.


Here's how he’s doing that:


1) He commiserates with my infirmities

I've often wondered if Jesus ever got sick.  The Bible tells us that He is our High Priest, tested and tempted in every area that we are.  So, I'm going to assume that He felt the travails of being human, including being sick.

And if not sick, He certainly understood physical pain.

Jesus, uniquely God and man at the same time.

So, He knew what it was like to live without pain and disease and suffering. He knew what it felt like to be omnipotent.  But, He also chose to enter the human condition – to experience the limitations and liabilities of being finitely ensconced in a frail and faulty body.


Therefore, Jesus empathizes with my illness.

"This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do…" (Hebrews 4:15, NLT)


2) He ministers to my needs

This is also what Jesus did.  He met people where they were – sick, blind, lame, faithless, angry, depressed, lonely – you name it, Jesus was there, providing what people needed.  Of course, the ultimate need that Jesus took care of was our "sin sickness."  He did what it took to procure a permanent cure.


Always and forever, Jesus takes care of our needs.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, NIV)


3) He gives me comfort and encouragement

Oh, indeed!  And is there any better comfort than knowing that Jesus cares for us?  Is there any more encouragement than knowing that these temporary ills are just that – temporary?  When our bodies fail, our spirits can soar in spite of them because of the hope we have for the future.


Jesus whispers promises of eternity to me.

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison…" (2 Corinthians 4:17, ESV)


4) He keeps me company

You know, being ill or physically impaired is really a lonely place.  It can be very isolating to suffer.  Sometimes people are "there" for us initially, but over time their presence can disappear.  After all, it can be hard to be around someone who isn't well.

One can be reminded of their own frailties.  Or they can tire of the demands of the afflicted person.  Or they succumb to the depressing circumstances.  Or they just run out of words to say.

But really, the very best comfort is just the presence of someone else.

In the beginning of his travails, Job's friends got it right – "Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights.  No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words."  (Job 2:13, NLT)

Sometimes that's all we need.

No words, no clichés, no platitudes.

Just someone's presence.


And the unflagging and unchanging presence of Jesus is something that we can count on in every single moment of our lives – now and forever.

"'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.'" (Hebrews 13:5, NIV)


5) He'd be willing to take my place

You know, it's rather amazing to me when my husband tells me he wishes he was sick instead of me.  I've been known to say that to him, too, but maybe not always as sincerely!  His pain at my pain is plain to see.  He would do anything to spare me discomfort.  He's so unselfish that way.

And Jesus – oh, do we need to say more about His self-sacrifice?!

He actually DID take our place.  He did indeed transfer our pain and suffering and sin onto His own shoulders.  God's pain at our pain was so intolerable that He sent His own Son to do something about it.

And Jesus willingly obeyed.

The Bible tells us that some of us might be willing to lay down our lives for another person.  

"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die." (Romans 5:7, NIV)

But, would any of us ever think of dying for a traitor, a terrorist, or a murderer?  Would we sacrifice our lives for someone who was absolutely "no good"?  I think not.

But this is what Jesus did.  

He died for us – when we were still sinners, and therefore abhorrent to God's perfect holy character.  He died for us – when we were still enemies of righteousness.  He died for us – when we didn't even fully realize that we needed Him.


He died for us – He took our place  because He loved us.

"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us." 
(1 John 3:16, NIV)


So, my friends, are you sick or suffering?  Are you physically maimed or hurt? Are you groaning in the confines of your diseased and dying body?

Are you discouraged by the affliction of being human?

Then take heart!

For we have Jesus.

The One who commiserates with our infirmities, ministers to our needs, gives us comfort and encouragement, keeps us company…

And not only was willing, but did indeed take our place.


Can you hand me a kleenex?

And not for my stuffy nose this time…

My heart is overwhelmed by my Savior's presence.






My New Best Friends 




"The LORD nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health." (Psalm 41:3, NLT)

"My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever." (Psalm 73:26, NLT)

"So we do not lose heart.  Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, ESV)

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen.  For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, NASB)

"...after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.  To him be the dominion forever and ever.  Amen." 
(1 Peter 5:10-11, ESV)

"'...I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.'" (John 10:28, NASB)

"And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man.  He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.'

And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.'" 

(Revelation 21:3-5, ESV



What helps you deal with physical infirmity?




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41 comments:

  1. Aww poor sickie Sharon! I'm so sorry that you're sick. Really, I am --- I am like you that I hate being "sick" (and I can't stomach most "Halls" or medicine with that taste) or encumbered by achy joints, bones, muscles; ears, nose, throat ... the worse combo. I do hope you are on the way to recovering. Must have to do with your one word being "healing", huh? And what a wonderful care giving husband!!! Beautiful comparison from him to being Christlike! Now that's something to get up and shout about. How blessed you are! Anyways, I'll pray specifically for this healing so you can get on with enJOYing life. Take good care of you!

    Blessings and love,
    Peggy

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  2. We are sharing the same cold/flu bug it seems, and my daughter's wedding is in 12 days. God help me!

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  3. Sorry to hear you are sick. I hate the stuffy feeling. At least you have your own personal Florence Nightingale. :)

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  4. I can't believe you are blogging with such symptoms. I call that dedication. :-)

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  5. Oh...sorry you are sick, my friend! It doesn't happen to me very often and I am so thankful for that! My most unfavorite thing is a stopped up head with eyes gushing water at the same time. Praise the Lord I do not get sick often but when I do, these are the symptoms I dread the most! I am not one to sleep or ly in bed during the day and this just about kills me! I have no choice to keep stationery since my eyes are usually shut...and it's not smart to move around when you can't see :) How fortunate you are to have such a sweet and caring hubby...I do too but to tell you the truth, I'd rather be alone in my misery...lol! I do hope you feel better soon!!

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  6. Awww Sharon...so sorry that you are struggling with a cold/virus. You sound just like me when I am sick. I can cry too! I think I see it as weakness as well, it's so frustrating to be so limited and feel so cruddy.
    I'm so glad your husband is stepping up to help you out, but not surprised. That man loves you like crazy! Just like Jesus does. It wasn't until I broke my leg until I realized how much my husband did for me, and had to do. Aren't we blessed? We are!!
    Be good to yourself and take it easy. Tea and soup. Vaporizer!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  7. Sharon, so sorry you are sick! Nothing like a icky virus like this to bring and drag someone down. I do like how you related it though to how Jesus took on our suffering and pain and did it willingly. So blad that he did! I can only hope you feel better SOON!

    betty

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  8. Wow! What a husband! He's a keeper.

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  9. Illness is NO good. Take care!

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  10. Glad you were able to learn this. Sad you're sick. Praying you're on the road to healing very, very soon.

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  11. Amen! I have a minor sinus cold right now so I can relate to some of these feelings. Thank you - this was perfect timing and ministered to me greatly! :-) Blessings to you.

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  12. Always a great journey reading through your posts. I love the connections here. I'm so sorry you're sick, but I love that you can minister to the rest of us right in that place. "We are always susceptible to invasion"---isn't that the truth on so many levels? Blessings to you from "Espressos of Faith" via #MakeaDifferenceMondays!

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  13. I really enjoyed reading this post. I get pretty needy and moody when I'm sick too. It's so lovely how your husband is there for you.

    And I'll be honest, I didn't see that connection to how Jesus loves us coming! He truly loves us :)

    Feel better soon!

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  14. When my pastor speaks to the men in our congregation, his message is simple: "Guys, we just have to die and love her." That is what your godly man is doing, dying to self and caring for you until you can get well. It really does make us feel loved just like Jesus' love....because that is what it is.

    I've been praying for you. Hope you can feel my prayers.
    Love you, Sis. Get well soon.
    Mary

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  15. I'm so sorry you are sick, I know that horrible feeling. Hope you are already improving. This is a shout out to 'the hub'... he has stepped up to the plate and he is ministering to you, just as you wrote. I hope the love and joy of knowing that helps you to get well even faster! That... and our Westmont Warrior genes! :)

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  16. Sorry to hear that. I hope you get well soon. It really is not a nice feeling, getting sick. Good for you for still being able to write. I'm so useless when I'm not feeling well.

    Hope you recover real fast.

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  17. Hope you get better soon! And how lucky you are to have hubby like that! May God bless you both!

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  18. Your words of comparison of Jesus/and hubby willing to take our place and even knowing all our weakness yet his compassion does not fail in bringing us comfort.
    (I knock on wood) as I say, I haven't been sick for a long while, but a few years ago, several bouts of terrible bronchitis effected the nerves in my ears and left a hearing loss in both ears. The flu is a terrible bug and I understand how it ravishes our body with suffering. Paul said, he was thankful he had run his course faithfully. Sorry, but sometime flue just must run its course and hopefully it will be SOON. Thanks for sharing your inspired post with us here at Tell me a Story.

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  19. I was right there with you. I was quite sick the week leading up to Mother's Day with aches and fever for days and chest congestion. I hadn't been sick in two years and so I took to complaining quite quickly because apparently I have zero tolerance for being sick after not having to deal with it for so long. I did rebuke myself because there are much worse sicknesses and situations I could be in...

    I love your sense of humor when you write your blog posts, and especially enjoyed it with this blog post because I could relate to all of it. It was like you were writing about me! lol.

    Thank you for the reminder that we have Jesus, who sticks closer than a brother, through all our afflictions and trials.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  20. Beside you at Women With Intention, to say I am wowed by the parallels you drew from your sickness. That is awesome you shared your thoughts so well. Thank you for the blessing today.

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  21. Well this is just an awesome post that I can so relate to this week… Leave it to you to find the glory of God even in the times of sickness!

    I could have used this lesson a few days ago when the air going in felt like molten lava!

    Your husband truly wanting to take your assigned physical load really hit me. I need to be more Christ like… but especially at home… hurts to admit it, but thanks for sharing it, Sharon.

    Praying for your recovery, sister.

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  22. Oh, my dear friend! You poor thing...I am SO sorry you are so sick. I have been praying for you and hoping you were feeling better by now. Your hubby is so kind to say such things and be so supportive. What a dear blessing. I really appreciated this post and the reminder of how Jesus took our suffering upon Himself. I will never stop praising Him for all He has done. God bless you and send healing to you speedily..will definitely keep praying. Much love to you!

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  23. Sorry to hear you're sick, but I just have to say that you made me laugh by writing...Illness = Instant Regression to 5 Years Old. That is so true! I hope you are well soon. I loved reading near the end when you needed a kleenex because you were overwhelmed with the Lord's presence.
    God bless you, friend.

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  24. Such hope you're feeling better now, Sharon! I don't like being sick either. I ate something bad last weekend and got sick at my daughter's home over graduation weekend. :( I wasn't thrilled about it, but thankfully it only lasted 24 hours and was over with before graduation day. Glad we both have such good hubbies who know how to care for us. God is good!

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  25. Great article! I feel your pain. I get sick all the time and I get so upset about it! My husband is a real trooper.

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  26. I'm so sorry you are sick and pray that you soon mend. I don't like being sick either. I too feel like I'm failing some how. And I feel the same way about my short comings and failures. But I'm so thankful that we have a nurse (aka husband) that gently nurses us back to health. God is good !!! Blessings. Visit from Little by Little.

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  27. First: I hope you get well ASAP. And by ASAP, I mean like YESTERDAY.

    Second: I love your analogy here. As usual.

    Third: I long for the day when my hubs job/career lends to availability to physically nurture, comfort etc. The army doesn't exactly bend to sick spouses. Ha.

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  28. I pray that you are feeling better and continue to sense the Lord's ministering to you through your husband. What sweet thoughts you've shared here!

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  29. I'm with you on not liking to be sick. The seasonal allergies here in Kentucky are getting the best of me. Ugh. Thankful that this too shall pass. Thanks for faithfully linking up at #ThreeWordWednesday.

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  30. Wow... thank you so much for pointing me to Psalm 41:3... I am long-term ill and your post title caught my attention - you raised some excellent points and put the focus on the One it deserves to be on - our Healer and Saviour, Jesus. Amen - He is our strength and our very present Help in time of need. May He bless you back to full health soon, my sister. :)

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  31. I'm sorry you're sick, Sharon :( truly. But I'm very glad to know that you haven't lost your sense of humor, or your {God-given} ability to see Him in every situation. Praying for you to be well, very soon, my friend!

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  32. Great post, Sharon! Sorry it required you to be sick to write it. I guess that's putting Rom. 8:28 to work. May the Lord use these words to encourage others. Thanks for linking on Amanda's Books and More. God bless!

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  33. I hope you feel better and thankful you have a servant hubby!

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  34. But really, the very best comfort is just the presence of someone else. Amen! Thanks for joining the dance. Get better soon

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  35. Hope you are feeling better Sharon...a lot can be learned when we are weak.

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  36. Hope you are feeling better and what a wonderful husband. God certainly shows up even when we just want to whine like a 5 year old. So glad you shared this at The Weekend Brew.

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  37. Oh Sharon I just love reading your posts, you bring such humour into what are most probably awful times. I am sorry you aren't feeling well and I hope that you get better very shortly but I am glad that you could bring us the analogy of your husband being Christ like to us. He must be just amazing. Thanks for sharing at Good Morning Mondays. Blessings

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  38. I hope you're feeling better! So nice that your hubby takes such great care of you!
    Thanks for sharing on the Shine Blog Hop!

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  39. I hope you feel better soon Sharon. But in this downtime he's blessed you to bring the word to so many. And I know they're nothing but sugar but I'm a Luden's girl. Lemon all the way. Lol. Happy Sunday!

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  40. Oh Sharon - reading your symptoms has made me feel "less alone" have had so many of these virus/cold things recently. Feeling better today though and hoping and praying it lasts for a while - Hope you are feeling better too

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  41. Ah, man! I'm sorry you weren't feeling well last week! I hope this finds you feeling much better! Sadly, I know exactly what you were feeling - the nose drip, the throat drainage, the tender face. Ugh! Ain't nobody got time for this! :) Thanks for linking up with Waiting on...Wednesday! I hope you'll be back tomorrow!

    Holly @ iwillservewhileiwait.blogspot.com

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)