sicky sick...surrendering to rest

October and November have not been the best months for me this year. It is unfortunate because I really do enjoy the crisp and beautiful NW fall. About 3 weeks ago I was bedridden for at least 6 days to apparently what everyone is calling N1H1. Now, three weeks later, I find myself in the same position with a sore throat, congestion, and headache. What is the deal? Now I am not trying to be a big baby that complains all the time but I have to be honest about how inconvenient this has been. If Grad School was a walk in the park, relationships naturally initiated, and I had a magic maid to cook and clean...well then I wouldn't be so unhappy! Besides, laying in bed alone gets kind of old after awhile. I caught up on the latest television shows (thanks to hulu.com), made a dent on my side of the bed, and have had lots of zzzzz. It is interesting how I think I have control over how I spend my time, my health, etc. And then it is taken over night and I am left with surrendering to rest. If I am to learn anything from these experiences of illness (besides the latest t.v. gossip), I am learning to not take things for granted. I have been overwhelmed with the responses of others. My professors, friends & family (FB prayers), and of course my caretaker-husband. There comes a time when we need to recognize that slowing down is not such a bad thing-even if it means being bedridden. Momentum is an interesting thing...and what it takes to get us to change directions. Though it has been a tough last 30 days healthwise...I have learned a new meaning of gratitude and rest.