I’ve been sick for over two weeks now. I can’t seem to shake whatever has its claws in me. I will have a day I feel better and well enough to go out and do, but the next day I’m in bed and throwing up if I eat anything or move too fast or do too much. I can’t stop coughing and the amount of mucus in my body is really too nasty to comment on.

I’m really hoping I can shake it off this week while I am home. I really really really hope I don’t give it to my son who just flew home from college for Thanksgiving week, or my inlaws, or my mother who lives in a facility with a multitude of seniors in compromised health situations. I will be crushed if we have to cancel Thanksgiving. I’m hosting and I’m so excited.

In true fashion I made a list of things to be grateful for, to guard against self-pity and direct my energy into making smart decisions and getting well and sharing joy.

1. I know what it feels like to feel well and I have no reason to believe I can’t feel that way again. My body is well enough to fight this nasty bug.

2. My son is home safely from college and appears happy to be here.

3. I can afford to buy a house full of groceries for the two teenaged boys who will be home all day all week this week!

4. The running water is clean.

5. The heat works.

6. The electricity is on.

7. The cars run and have gasoline.

8. We are loved. By each other. By our families and friends. By our Creator.

I discovered Henri Nowen about fifteen years ago. I follow the Henri Nowen Society on Instagram for inspiration and reminders to be a good human. He was a challenging figure and not afraid to call us out, while simultaneously reminding us of the never-ending love and mercy we have been gifted by God to accept and also extend to others.

I leave you with his truth telling for your weekend wondering…

I’m grateful for you friends. Love Y’all So Big. Marla