Slowing down

On of my goals for the new year was that I wanted to read more books.
I have been accomplishing that this month.


I have spent the last several weeks with pneumonia!  Almost an entire month.  I say almost because I think (hope) I may be on the mend.  (crossing fingers)  
This illness, I have learned, is super temperamental!  When you get the flu or common cold you know there is hope after a few days of feeling good again.  Not with this.  You can't assume you are doing good and do just a little bit of some normalcy.  No, you just get to lay around and watch the world dance around you.  That is how you get well.  


Let me say first of all that I am hardly ever sick.  If there is a cold, or flu running through my home I seem to dodge it.  My kids all say "how did you get sick?"   
I eat good, exercise, and usually get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. 

This illness has humbled me to SLOW DOWN.  I am grateful for that.  I have been able to see things in a different light than if I been hustling about my daily chores.  I appreciate more the simple things.  I have a new vigour to cook dinner, run carpools, attend church, go to lunch with girlfriends, and just wake up feeling good.  I actually miss it!


Life is precious.  This is something I have come to realize more.
When you're sick with pneumonia people love telling you about someone they knew who died of it.
You begin to panic.  "Could this be me?"  "Is my time up?" 
I believe this is the first time I actually thought about the possibility of dying! 
With a priesthood blessing much of those thoughts were put to rest.  


I am one of those people that believes there is no coincidence in life.  Things happen for reasons we do not always fully understand.  But, they do happen for reasons.  We just usually hope that it isn't us that needs that particular trial or challenge.  Life is a series of experiences that test us, stretch us, and help us grow.  I also believe that they happen to help others be tested, stretched, and grown.  


I am so grateful for the many individuals who have rushed to my side.  I am blessed.  I am watched over.  I have a closer relationship with my Father in Heaven.  He is there.  He loves me.  He listens.  He is patient with me while I am learning to be more patient.  For these things I have to be grateful.


More R&R for the next few weeks.  
Perscription: SLOW DOWN