Around 8pm my sinuses were tight, by noon the next day the cold symptoms had arrived with an intensity. That night I tested positive.

One day I ended up sitting in my car for 30 minutes. Definition of stir crazy. And an extra kindness of the Lord, a friend brought me a coffee. Other days, we stayed by the fire, I drank tons of water, tried to regularly stretch, watched a few movies and had lots of conversations with John.

The first day my symptoms truly hit, I was in the bed for about 6 hours. When I wasn’t sleeping, I was determined to avoid Netflix (Normally if I want something enjoyable and light, for laundry or design work or a sick day, my choice is Gilmore Girls or Madame Secretary or Pixar). I really wanted to lean into the presence of God. This was a challenge for me, as silence and solitude often is. I talked and groaned and grumbled and rejoiced and trusted Him to meet me.

What kind of quietness produces strength? Not all quietness does. We could sell our televisions, give away our phones, move to the countryside, and still be as weak as ever. No, “in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” The quiet we need is a quiet filled with God. Quietness becomes strength only when our stillness says that we need him.

VIA

Parenting a toddler and keeping your home from staying in a tornado wreckage state while sick is not the most fun. We all know this. Hallelujah for the honesty in the Psalms, yes? YES.

You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great. You provide a broad path for my feet, so that my ankles do not give way. Psalm 18:28-36

He sustains and even before the day begins, He has made available to you all that you need.

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We made pancakes. We took leisurely drives. We watch Owlegories. We color a LOT. Every day I thanked God for our home, for my husband, for good books and fun toys, for our health and prayer.

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