For the past week, I’ve been struggling with the flu. I haven’t had much of a temperature, but I’ve been very congested, my throat has been inflamed, and I’ve suffered continual headaches. On top of this, I‘ve been coughing – and coughing and coughing. Especially at night. Stacy has been a great nurse, pumping me with loads of remedies; but, while I’m sure they have helped, this illness has hung on with a vengeance.
God is so good. During our trials, He always seems to reveal His love for us in the midst of it. Last night, I had a visit from another nurse. It was about 3:00 a.m. and I was having a coughing fit; one that wouldn’t stop. I was exhausted and feeling quite frustrated with the whole ordeal. In the middle of this, our seven-year-old Virginia Grace came into the room with her blanket in hand.
This is not unusual in the McDonald home. One or more of our children can be found sleeping with us, or piled on the floor with pillows and blankets, on any given night. A bad dream or a moment of loneliness is an acceptable excuse to come cuddle with mom and dad.
But last night was not a regular night. I was struggling to breathe with the congestion and I could not get the coughing to subside. So, I looked at Grace and said to her, “Honey, you can’t sleep in here tonight; Daddy is just too ill.”
Grace’s response warmed my heart. She said, “I know that Daddy; I didn’t come to sleep. I heard you coughing and I just brought you my blanket, so you would be warm.”
With that, she put her little blanket on top of her big daddy, kissed me on the cheek, and went back upstairs to bed.
This was one time when this Daddy didn’t mind having the flu. Nope. Not one bit.
What a blessing children are, they can be so sensitive to the needs of others. I can’t imagine not having them. I feel so sorry for those who have chosen to not be blessed with little ones.
We will pray for a complete healing of your illness and that God will continue to bless you and your family.
Merry Christmas!!
By: Lanita Noa on December 23, 2008
at 4:51 pm
James,
These are the sort of things that people look for when they assess the fruit of another man’s walk. Sometimes our greatest moments come when we are at our worst. I continue to pray for your health.
Hec @ 19
By: Dave Hector on December 24, 2008
at 11:24 pm
How sweet, what a heart-warming moment with your daughter! We will pray you recover quickly, James. I have been battling the same thing but am past the worst of it. I haven’t been on antibiotics in over six years, but this bug so took over that I had to get something to kick it. May the Lord bless you and your family! Merry Christmas!!
By: Lisa Winton on December 24, 2008
at 11:28 pm
Sorry that you are feeling so poorly. But, what a precious memory to take away from it!
Bethany W.
By: Bethany W. on December 25, 2008
at 3:31 am
Virginia Grace did rise up and call you blessed. I pray you get well, and are blessed mightily in the coming year.
By: rcjr on January 1, 2009
at 2:53 pm