Every now and then I have a “Why Me?” week. Can you relate? I had three important meetings scheduled this week and I missed each one of them. Last Saturday night I had a bad flare up of diverticulitis. In pain all night, with accompanying fever, feeling nauseated as well, I had to miss church on Sunday. I just tried to stay hydrated, but I thought, “why me?”, two words I whine whenever things don’t go as planned for me. I texted my friend, Jeff, to take the lead for me in a church committee meeting. Without hesitation he agreed, texting, “We are a team, we look after each other!…Rest…”

That’s so comforting to know that someone steps in and handles things when I’m unable to. It was a miserable day for me health wise, but at least it was a worry-free day.

Tuesday, still feeling the effects of diverticulitis, I also started to get a sore throat and the start of a cold. So, I had to miss our small group study that evening. Wednesday, I was just starting to feel a bit better tummy-wise, when a rotten cough would not abate. Between fits of coughing, I texted another committee lead at church to tell them I was not going to be able to attend. She emailed me back advising me to get better and rest. Today, my ribs hurt from coughing and I’m physically wrung out!

I have a list of to do’s, but no strength to do them. My husband takes up the slack as he does each time I have one of these “Why Me?” weeks. He tells me to rest, but usually I can’t let go of things I had planned and I get stressed out thinking about the catch-up work that still needs to happen the following week.

In our entranceway, a scripture verse hangs on the wall. A friend of mine hand-crafted the dried flower arrangement around the words she had beautiful written out in calligraphic lettering. I usually walk past the framed artwork without a glance, but this morning I stopped before it. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:28-29

This week, several well-meaning friends have told me to “rest” to get over these nagging ailments. It’s good advice. Sometimes rest is the best medicine! I’ve spent time in the Word. I’ve been quiet and contemplative, not hurried or rushed to get things done. This week of rest has given me time to read a great new book penned by a young friend of mine, “Anything But Ordinary: Finding Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t”. I highly recommend it!!

I am thankful for friends who have prayed for me, and covered for me in meetings this week! I’m still not 100%, physically, but this week of rest has been good and just what I needed!