I woke up yesterday morning, rolled out of bed excited about waking the boys up and getting them ready for school. I wanted to let Bobby sleep in since he shouldered all the work while I was away at the Retreat.

By the time I finished getting Kyle all ready and out the door, my stomach started rolling. I ignored it, of course. Maybe I’m just over tired from the weekend, I told myself. I stepped around the overflowing laundry baskets on the floor, mentally began to pick up the living room as I walked out the door to take Justin to school. I swung by Starbucks on the way home as we were out of K Cups and everything else. As I sat in line, I began to feel downright green. I was rude to the Starbucks guy and waved his extra questions off and gave him my card, took my order then sped home.

I was sick. Full blown flu sick and spent the rest of the day on the floor next to the toilet. My to- do list suddenly shrunk to an item of one: be sick.

I wasn’t expecting that.

I haven’t been THAT sick in a long time.

Some observations on being sick:

– we never want to admit how sick we actually are until it comes to the point of being undeniable.

– nobody plans (or chooses) to be sick.

– plans and to do lists must adjust to the reality that you are sick.

– you suddenly have to depend on others whether you like it or not.

– you must give yourself permission to rest.

– grace is required by all.

This morning I listened to Stephen Furtick’s newest message “How to Love Mud”. It was just what I needed to hear. Life is messy. Unexpected. Perspective is paramount. I highly recommend it.

Thank you for praying for the Retreat. What a treasure you are. We were unable to record my messages from the retreat but I will be setting up a page for the notes, if you are interested.

I hope you have a wonderful day and that the unexpected things you encounter today does not include the flu.