Just a couple minutes ago, I closed the blinds in my house because it was too sunny. A few minutes later it became as dark as night and the thunderstorm started. God has created our universe and everything in it. We all share in the natural things of life, both the sun and the rain, the good and the bad, the happy and the sad. We all experience like circumstances, but what makes us different or sets us apart is how we react to the circumstances or even how we learn to appreciate both the sun and the rain.
In the past couple of months I experienced sunny times. Things were going well. We were able to take the kids on our first real family vacation to Disney World, we were getting involved and meeting new people at church, my husband received a promotion and went to a corporate training, and we were even beginning to enjoy our marriage more than we had since before kids with a weekend getaway and everything. It was all good! and I can truly say, that I was thankful for these great times. For having the means and the opportunities to make memories. And also because its times like this, it seems no one can get to you. Everything is great, and as they say it won't rain on my parade.
Until it does. 3 weeks ago, the rain started. It started with Emmanuel getting sick. Very sick as discussed previously. It was a domino effect, and it even took Emeli, and even my mom, their baby sitter down. I even had to call off work to take care of all the sick people. Then it seemed all would be fine. But Monday I developed an eye problem. Something I have experienced in the last couple of years with allergies and contact use. However, by Tuesday when it did not go away, I made an appointment to see an ophthalmologist. She, without knowing my previous history, and without a thorough examination determined it was viral conjunctivitis and that I was highly contagious and could not return to work. So just like that, I was sent home to return whenever I got clearance.
I cried. I felt so helpless. I just used all my PTO, or "vacation time" during my sunny days. And this rude lady doctor just told me something like that may last up to a month. How does someone expect anyone who works for a living to go a month without working because of a red eye?I felt fine. I wanted to work. I couldn't understand why I couldn't be put in a corner somewhere isolated to work. All I need is a computer and I could be as efficient as anyone. It was one of those things where you even rationalize that people work with colds all the time and don't get sent home. I wanted to work and couldn't work. But my eye was about to become the least of my problems. It really looked worse than it felt.
Wednesday, I started developing what I thought was a simple cold. Unfortunately it turned into a severe sinus infection, tonsillitis, a fever, chills, sweats, aches, and all of the above. I was prescribed the strongest most expensive antibiotics on the market and got sent home to get lots of rest and stay hydrated. Which is the most difficult thing for me to do. It felt like I was being punished! No work! and now I need to rest?? All I wanted to do was clean and disinfect my house...which is my favorite thing to do. I tend to take after Danny Tanner and my mother when it comes to cleanliness.
But in this rain, I have realized how much we need it to truly appreciate the sunny days and not take those for granted. I have learned that no matter how old I get, my parents can still take care of me like I am their baby girl and even take care of my babies for me. I have seen my husband shine trying to keep the house clean, the kids fed and entertained and serving me. Waking up to give me meds and put drops in my eyes. I have learned the importance of feeding our bodies nutritious foods that will help strengthen our immune system. I have learned, that it doesn't matter if you've worked with the same people for 6 years 40 hours a week, not everyone will reach out to you. I learned that when I felt alone, God sent some special people to text and call and remind me that I'm not. I was reminded that even my grandma at her old age and with all 15 grand kids, still has time to call me and tell me she is praying for me. This rain, that seemed like a storm with no end in sight, has made me grow.
Today I can say I woke up feeling more like myself and I am thankful for this healing. I am thankful for every single prayer, call or text I got. After several unexpected hundreds spent on medical expenses, and taking an unexpected 4 days off, I don't know how everything will work out, But I do know that no matter how long it takes, the sun does come out again. And when it does, I will not complain about the heat or brightness it brings. Because this rain, has helped me appreciate every bit of sunshine.
Whether you're in the sun or the rain today, just know you're not alone. Both were sent to all people. Neither will last forever. Appreciate them both! Too much sun can bring a drought and start fires, rain is always good refreshment and needed to grow~ enjoy them both!
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