Learning to linger...

It has been a little over a month since I last posted. Since then, I have been diagnosed with pneumonia, strep and had exposure to whooping cough at least twice. Protocol requires treatment with antibiotics, so I have, in effect, been on antibiotics non-stop for the last month. And now I found out I have to go on them again. I'm never sick. Every once in a while I catch a little bug, but plenty of rest and lots of water usually flush it out of my system fairly quickly. Needless to say, this whole ordeal has been rather frustrating for me. Yesterday I went to the doctor and was sent home from work...I hate needles, but found out that I need labs drawn again in a week or so. As of yesterday, I had a clear chest x-ray, no sign of a cough and what seemed like allergy symptoms. By this morning however, I have developed a nasty cough, complete with sinus and chest congestion.
I guess God wants me to slow down some more. Be still and know that He is God.

"My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.

He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense;

I shall not be moved."

~Psalm 62:5-6~

These verses were sent to me by a dear friend, and have been such a comfort and reminder to me. I know where my focus needs to be, but so easily, I'm caught up in the hectic pace of life. I have things that need to be done, and goals to work towards, but I miss what is really important. And so, my loving heavenly Father in His sovereignty redirects my focus by forcing me to set my priorities in order. Never mind what 'needs to be done' He has something so much better in store for me. Suddenly, I have more time to meditate on what He has done for me. I have a quiet place to study His love letter to me. I have extra time to bring requests and thanksgiving before His throne. 

And so, although at first it might have seemed inconvenient, I'm grateful for this unexplained illness. Why? Because I have the awesome opportunity to know my God in a more intimate way, to learn to be conformed into the image of His Son, and to take time to be holy.