Stuff I learned while I was sick

Getting over a bad cold followed by a bad case of bronchitis, I realize I have learned and re-learned some critical things during the past two weeks of bedrest.

1. My dog really cares.  Or maybe she just feels special sleeping on my bed, something I don't normally allow her to do.  Dogs are a "three" on my allergen intensity list, so although she is allowed in my bedroom, she is not normally allowed on my bed.  On the other hand, allowing her on my bed while I was sick may have also delayed my recovery.  Hmm.  Didn't think of that.
2. My son really can wash dishes.  Over the years, my 19-year old son has demonstrated that washing dishes is just not his forte.  After finding myself re-washing his dishes, usually the entire dish-rack of drying dishes, I finally told him he was not allowed to wash dishes.  While I was sick, however, he washed dishes on several occasions.  I was pleased to discover that his dishwashing skills have vastly improved and I can now stop buying disposable dinnerware.
3. I really missed going to work.  Don't get me wrong.  I do like my job.  But like anyone, I also enjoy my weekends and holidays away from work.  I also do not hesitate to take sick leave when I'm under the weather.  After being in bed from a Tuesday through a Sunday, with limited activity including a doctor's visit followed by the drugstore, I was really missing the social interaction and intellectual stimulations I find at work.
4. My sweetheart's voice sounds really good on the phone.  It sounds better in person, but I'll take a phone call when "in-person" is out of the question.
5. I have weird dreams when I'm sick.  One of my dreams featured Sarah Palin trying to sell me a Volvo.
6. Facebook prayer requests are just as good as any other.
   
7. The Free Scrabble Android app is too slow.  I deleted it.  Twice.
8. The Bible really is a great source of comfort.  I've known this fact for a long time, but it really hits home when you feel desperate.  Whether you're desperate for health, help, comfort, or relief from any other type of distress, the Holy Bible is a God-inspired book of comfort, instruction, history, and love.
9. Being sick is a good time to pray.  In Psalm 46:10, God admonishes, "Be still, and know that I am God."  My health forced me into a state of stillness and rest, and during that time, I thanked God for His presence and I praised God for all He has done.  Between coughs and sniffles, I asked Him for healing and I thanked him for healing me.  And when I stopped to listen, I felt Him envelope me with His loving arms.

Thankfully I'm on the mend, but even a little period of illness can reveal truths we might have otherwise forgotten.  Like they say, "Every cloud has a silver lining."  The next time you've got the sniffles, look for something positive.  You might learn (or re-learn) something new.