10 Things that the Flu Caused Me to Appreciate

1.HUGS, today is National Hugging Day for goodness sake! I am trying desperately not to share this nasty bug, and life without affection from those dearest to me is beyond difficult! Be sure to give your family and friends double the hugs today, not because Hallmark says so, just because you can! ;)

2. Cheese, bacon, & other deliciousness. I'm so thankful that I don't normally have to eat everything by the spoonful. Functioning taste buds & food that requires chewing is a luxury missed when your diet consists of chicken noodle soup!

3. The ability to clean. Who knew a mom could miss that?! I certainly never thought I would mind mandatory time off from the chores that I normally dread! Unfortunately, when I'm sick, my house looks sick (& not in that "cool way" ;))

4. Stepping outside and breathing fresh air

5. ... Feeling like you can breathe in general! Ha!

{... Oh, the simple things we often take for granted!! ... Now, onto the more positive half of the list :)}

6. Being sick is humbling. It reminds us that ultimately we aren't in control of everything! Not even my obsessive compulsive hand sanitizing habit could stop this bug. I'm not in charge of how life goes. Humbling indeed.

7. My husband and I living out our marriage vows in the thick of life is a beautiful thing. Just before Christmas, my hubby seriously injured his dominant hand. For the first time in our 14 years of marriage we found ourselves living in a serious "in sickness and in health" season. While he's been unable to do the normally simple tasks, I've had the opportunity to care for and serve him in ways I previously hadn't. (I think he's thoroughly enjoying having his socks put on for him. ;)) He's improving with therapy, but only has use of one hand for the time being. Now, even though he is limited in what he is able to do during his time of recovery, he's done everything he possibly can to care for me while I've been so sick. By God's grace, the depth of our love for one another is illuminated during life's darkest days.

8. My daughters are growing up, and more capable and responsible than I've realized! I've been one of those moms who does almost everything for my kids. They are growing up so quickly and it brings me great joy to "mother them" in a gazillion little ways before they're "all grown up". My being stuck in bed has really allowed them to show me how much they really are capable of! I marvel at what sweet and responsible young ladies they've become!

9. Modern technology really is fantastic! My electric blanket and iPad have been my BFFs for the past several days. :)

10. Lastly, I'm grateful for this moment to reflect on how much I have to be thankful for today! It would be simple to throw myself a pity party, but I'd surely be the only guest to show up ... I'd much rather extend an invitation to you, lovely reader, to join me today in taking a moment to pause and think on all the simple joys of life, even for the most basic of things, like the ability to be upright without the room spinning. ;)


Warmly {not just because I have a fever, but that too},
Brenda
"This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."
~ Psalm 118:24
(I've noticed that there's no "except when" in that verse ;))