EPIPHANY II
January 24, 2021
“Taking a Sick Day . . . Or Ten . . . Or Fourteen”
It’s January, and so we’re not at all surprised that it’s cold, overcast, and blustery. In fact, we’re grateful if that’s all we have to contend with. We know perfectly well that an “Alberta Clipper” or some other weather system could roar in and leave us with snow up to the windowsills and temperatures in the single digits. Add colds, flu, and/or coronavirus, and the final diagnosis may well be “cabin fever.”
Some time ago, I saw a commercial (I know, I watch too much TV) for a cold medication that sent me on a thought journey. A dad was depicted standing in the doorway of his child’s room, saying, “I’m sorry, but I’m gonna have to take a sick day.” The little guy wearing footie pajamas and standing in his crib, looks uncomprehendingly at Daddy with his red nose and bleary eyes. What’s he talking about? At that point, an off-screen voice says, “Moms and Dads can’t take sick days” and goes on to extol the wonderful qualities of this nearly magical elixir.
Just about every family has their most trusted home remedies for a cold, a sore throat, or an upset stomach. Whether it was chicken noodle soup or ginger ale, we felt safe because our parents were in charge, and they knew how to make us feel better. A number of years later, as independent adults or parents ourselves, we come to the realization that calm, caring Mom and upbeat Dad were probably anxious and sleepless, worried about the queasy, feverish child in the next bedroom.
Children are seldom aware of their parents’ vigilance, and that’s the nature of family life. But as we worry our way through the uncertainties of the pandemic, many of us ask ourselves, “What about me?” We wonder who could or would care for us, and think of how guilty we’d feel if someone helping us became ill.
We do have the promise of our Father in heaven, of his ongoing protection and never-failing care. God doesn’t sleep, take sick days or vacations, and, regardless of the circumstances, is still there even if we get ourselves into a mess. We may not always be in the greatest health, every single thing may not go smoothly, but neither are we struggling along on our own. God sends friends and family members to support and care for us, to be his presence in our lives. And, of course, we have the opportunity to be that presence for others, as well.
The Psalms include some of the strongest, most faith-filled statements of trust of any books in the Bible. In this passage from Psalm 121:2-4, 8, the word “keeps” and “keep” mean to “watch over”. As you read this, change the word “keep” for “watch over” and hear God’s assurance of protection through this life and into the next.
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.
Secure and watched over,
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers