Taking care of myself

Another day, another sore throat, swollen glands and a head full of congestion. Say what? (For those of you English majors, I realize that was not a full sentence. The little green line underneath it all helps me to realize it is not a full sentence. I am a recovering perfectionist so I am choosing to let that slide :)

Two nights ago I went to bed feeling pretty rotten. Yesterday I tried to drink a lot but also made sure to have my Oil of Oregano drops. That is our go-to whenever any of us is fighting illness. Just a few drops under our tongue twice a day, washed down with some kind of liquid that can help cover the strong taste and warm sensation of the drops. While I feel much better, I still called and canceled my filling appointment today. It wasn't too difficult for me to put that one off a little while longer. As we speak, my mom is preparing to have dental work done, sans novacaine! (Prayers being said for you right now, mama!) Who I am to complain? Still, however, I do not enjoy the dentist office for any reason, so I was happy to cancel. I am currently on my way to take a detox bath and go back to bed. There's a book waiting for me and I think I will happily oblige and take care of myself today. It is lovely to have a few hours before my next commitment. This is what I am choosing to do for myself this day.

Our eldest child was at school yesterday from 7:30 AM-9:30 PM. I thought it would be a bit of a break for him if I drove him to school this morning. In the 4/10 of a mile it takes to get to school and then another 4/10 of a mile home, this is what I encountered: many cars trying to go in all different directions and coming out of every alley and street possible, a construction area which was already being worked on, some tree trimmers with landscaping trucks, kids walking, kids on bikes, kids on scooters, one child on a skateboard and a few crossing guards. Whew! Just when I'd think it was all clear, someone would pop up in my periphery, causing me to adjust my course for safety sake. It is a good thing I was awake and alert. I'm certainly glad that level of awareness only has to last a few blocks or I'd be worn out for the day.

I'm reminded of the scripture from 1 Peter 5:8-9 which says,

8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.

It takes being alert to a whole new level. It reminds me to actively look around for ways I am being distracted or tempted. More importantly, it reminds me to pray in Jesus' name for protection and guidance. Sometimes our faith can seem like a list of dos and don'ts. It truly comes down to sticking close to Jesus. And in this, we find out how very loved we are. There is a presence sweeter than any other, which makes me want to cry out, "Better is ONE DAY in your courts, than thousands elsewhere." When my eyes are on Him, the enemy has no room to distract. When I am near to my Jesus, unimportant things fade away. I can rest. Who doesn't need a little rest? I'll take it!

(Lord, I want to see You today. Let all the unimportant things that come across my path fade from my view as I keep my eyes on You. Lord, I need you. I can't do this alone. I need Your strength and your direction. I need to know that You are with me. Amen.)

Morning Prayer

Thanks to Margaret Becker, this prayer (song) was on my lips this morning before I got out of bed:

"From where I lay I can see the sun rising through the trees,
Before I start this morning rush, I get down on my knees.
I lift my eyes and I thank you for this life you've granted me.
I pray with every day I live, Your heart will be pleased.

I pray for hands to hold you, higher than ANYTHING else,
and a heart to love you MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF.

This is all I've ever wanted.
This is all I want to be...whoah,
All I've ever wanted, is to love you...FAITHFULLY."

Yes, Lord, that is my prayer.