A Personal Update

A little over two weeks ago, I started with a fever. The next five days were filled with fever and a lot of aches and pains. At that point, I expected to start feeling better. I was so dismayed when I started getting worse instead. Much worse. It wasn’t until a few days ago that I actually started being able to hold conversations and focus at all.

I have never been so sick in my life. Covid hit and it hit me hard. And, yet, there were many others around me who were even sicker than I was. Many ended up in the hospital. It’s been a really tough time for our church family. In fact, may I ask you to pray for two families specifically in our church who lost loved ones during this time? Thank you for praying.

I wanted to let you know that I am still here. And I thought I’d reflect for just a few moments on some of the impressions and lessons I learned these past few weeks.

First, I have an awesome husband. It is spring. It is overwhelming, under the best of circumstances for a landscaper. But my landscaper was also hit with the virus. Not near as bad as I was, but he still wasn’t feeling well. And, yet, he saw to all my needs. He’d check on me multiple times each day. He never made me feel bad for not being able to do anything. He just patiently took care of me. I am so thankful for him and his tender care for me. It was such an incredible blessing.

Second, I want to thank those of you who reached out. Some of you will read this and some won’t. But there were so many who reached out to check on me. Many went above and beyond, dropping off supper or immune support. Some sent flowers. And some of you sent thoughtful cards or notes. Many of you texted me faithfully. These things so brightened this difficult time. Even in the midst of the really dark days, it was wonderful to feel loved and cared for. Thank you.

Third, I realized that life goes on without me. That was kind of weird. I had actually never had this happen before where I was literally out of commission for two weeks. And guess what? Everyone continued on in their lives. Of course they did. They had to. But it was humbling. Yes, I was missed but life had to continue on. Somehow, God used this to remind me that my life is wholly and completely in Jesus Christ. Anything good I have to give to this world is through Him and due to Him. I am nothing without Christ.

Fourth, taking a complete break from this world and then coming back to earth with little energy to do much has given a lot of time for reflection on all that’s going on in this world. And, I have to admit, I was really struggling for a few days. The grief hit all over again for some reason and I questioned why I am hanging on so tightly to this world. But, God in His faithfulness, reminded me that He knows exactly what is going on and He will take care of me and those I love so much. He will take care of you, too, if you are His child. He has promised. As God gently pries our fingers from this world, He is preparing our hearts for the wonder and beauty of what is ahead. We, of all people, have much to look forward to!

Fifth, somewhere in the midst of my illness my husband asked me if this changes my opinion about the v__________ (fill in the blank). I mumbled out a NO. (He knew what I would say and it was more of a joke that he even asked.) As sick as I was, wouldn’t I be thankful for a v___________ that could keep anyone from getting that sick, as well? Yes, of course. However, this isn’t actually a v_________. It’s untested gene therapy. Oh, if you haven’t gotten it yet, please do your homework. Go beyond the mainstream media and your favorite “Christian doctors” who haven’t taken the time to research. Think about why they are not allowing free speech regarding this. Isn’t that so suspicious? There’s something so deadly wrong with all that’s going on, it’s crazy. I know some of you have chosen to get it already and that should also be your freedom to choose. I just want to counsel anyone considering this to do their homework first. If you’d like more information, please email me at leslie {at} growing4life {dot} net.

Sixth, I want to thank those of you readers who have prayed and continue to pray for me. Last week, someone mentioned in the 2021 G4L Bible Reading Challenge FB group that I was missing and I finally wrote something. From that point on, I know many of you have been praying and I just want to thank you so much for those prayers. They meant (and continue to mean) so much.

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I still feel a bit foggy and not quite with it, but I am so much better than I was. The sun is shining and I need to get back to the stuff of life. There are bills to be paid, office work to be done, and my house is a mess. But I’ll just do a little at a time. I guess it won’t go anywhere.

Thanks again, my dear readers and friends, for encouraging me during this time. And don’t feel bad if you didn’t know. I didn’t want to say much because I know so many have it far worse than I did. But now you know where I disappeared to for a couple of weeks.

Take care and have a great week.