Things For Which I am Thankful When My Family is Sick

I should have made a mental note when a few kids from my kids' Bible school class were out for sickness. When my youngest came downstairs later that week in a sweater on a 93º day, refusing to take off the heavy clothing, you would think I would have seen it. But I missed the onslaught of the flu in our house until it was upon us. 

I hate when my kids are sick. And I feel terribly inadequate when my husband goes down. But I am always reminded that I have help. I never have to heal my family on my own. Here are a few things that helped us through this time.

1. Nice Weather - While the healthy in the house were dying to get out - and healthy children were encouraged to get out and play - the 70º temps were good for more than a pretty view. Keeping windows open not only gave me the mindset that germs were fleeing by the thousand, it was also great not to be stuck with the lingering odor of anti-bacterial gels and sprays.

2. Lysol - Despite the smell, more peace settled in my mind whenever those chemicals went to town, protecting the healthy from the germs. Not having to scrub down the bathroom several times a day was a blessing.

3. Airborne - And to support our immune systems, we loaded up with those essential vitamins. Peace of mind was needed to keep our household ready for an upcoming slumber party.

4. Summer - My little boy was so very proud of his perfect attendance award in school last year. Even burning with a fever, he tried to assure me he wasn't sick. (Ah yes, a man in training.) But when he could deny it no more, it was nice to know we didn't really have anywhere to be. Staying at home was no bother to any of us.

5. A Nearby Shopping Complex - And when it was necessary to get out of the house and actually go buy groceries, I only needed to go across the street, not even a mile. So when someone thought he would be more comfortable at home (near a familiar bathroom), I simply parked the shopping cart out of the way, and ran him home to his dad.

6. Target Bags - I keep one of these babies everywhere - in the car, in my purse, by the bed. They are sturdy enough to hold twenty pounds of cat litter without busting, so I am confident that whatever explodes from the mouth of a child (or adult) will stay in that bag.

7. Modern Medical Knowledge - "Mom, make it better" is a request I want to meet! But I know enough to keep away the fever reducer if the fever isn't above 101º. (It is best to let the fever burn away the virus). Also, knowledge such as keeping up the vitamin C and hydrating properly make me feel like I know what I'm doing for my child.

8. Forethought and Wisdom- Not mine, mind you, but God's. No one got sick in our house until the day AFTER Bible school was over. (A big deal, since I run Bible school at our church, and it is my busiest week of the year.) The amazing part about this is that we held VBS this year earlier than we have in the past. Thank you, God, for THAT timing!

9. A Giving Husband - Again, because I work for the church, I really can't miss a Sunday. My poor husband had to miss two weeks in a row to stay home with sick kids.  Missing church is something neither of us like to do, so I was terribly appreciative once again for the man I married.

10. Quick Healing - The week (plus) lasted FOREVER. But all in all, it was a drop in the bucket compared to what many families have to deal with. How nice to pray to a God who listens to us!

I needed to write this list if, for no other reason, to remind myself of how God takes care of us even in our down times. May it also remind you of some of the uncovered blessings 

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