I can’t believe it has been two weeks since the dreaded gastrointestinal virus hit me. I am happy to say that I am NOW feeling 100%. This may sound crazy but I thank God for the virus – and not in a sarcastic way. I learned some valuable lessons during those days of physical weakness. A weakness that I can’t remember ever having.
Here is what happen: It was Friday morning about 5AM when it all began. I had that sick feeling and got up headed for the bathroom. In my head, I got to the bathroom floor where it was cool waiting for the feeling to leave or to be sick. All of a sudden the light came on, hubby was calling my name and I felt water next to my face or at least I thought it was. The reality was that I “kissed” the floor with a thud and my nose was bleeding. Yup, that slow get to the floor movement was actually me passing out. As hubby helped me up, the next few hours were a blur. The virus hit full force and I was weak. I needed help to get in and out of bed. I couldn’t get up to get even a glass of water. The smell or even the thought of food made my stomach turn. To say the least, I spent the next 2 days in bed being taken care of by my hubby. Sunday, I ventured to work for a few hours. Okay, not the smartest thing but I was going stir crazy. Hubby drove me to and from work. On Monday, I was weak. On Tuesday, we went to the doctor who told me it could be another 5 days before I got my full strength back. UGH! It took time. It took patience. It took help.
I believe that through all of this God helped me to learn some important lessons especially in my marriage. I have always been the care taker. The person who takes care of everyone else WITHOUT thinking of my own needs. I mean as a single mom who has time to be sick, right? When hubby got sick, it was easy to fall into the role of caretaker. Crazy, but I always thought I needed to be in that role to be liked or even loved. So, as hubby helped me up on Friday morning and tended to my every need – I felt a tug at my heart. A God wink.
In those few days of total weakness, I learned how to truly lean on someone else. I prayed that God would help me – make me better. I mean, hubby will tell you that I am the WORST patient. God did help me to get better but he taught me a lesson or two along the way.
- Marriage is a partnership and it is okay to be the one that needs help once in awhile.
- Taking care of myself is important in order to be able to take care of others.
- I do not have to do everything myself. I am accepting help even when it is hard. Even when the groceries are not put away in the right spot.
- Take time to read for pleasure, for business and to connect with God
- I am grateful to be in a loving marriage with a hubby who truly loves AND cares for me.
- An added bonus – the sweets that I have been mindlessly snacking on have lost their appeal.
Did I hate being sick? Of course, but I am grateful for the lessons God taught me. Take time today to reflect on what YOU are thankful for today.
What are you grateful for today?
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 