Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

I never thought I would have a serious pause in my P90X training. Six out of seven days a week I had followed the Beach Body slogan, “Decide, Commit, Succeed.” I was doing well. I wasn’t gaining much weight but was doing well. Then I caught a cold bug or should I say that nasty little booger caught me.

Deanne was stung by that boogery (actually snotty) bug about a week and a half ago. I took no precautions around her because I was confident in my immune system. We shared food and drinks and all. Besides, the last time she was sick it lasted for a week and I only got it for a couple days. I could handle that.

Needless to say, five or six days ago my California allergies partnered with a cold. I still tried to do my regular thing. I still worked out, even climbed around on a mountain for a couple hours on Sabbath but conditions just got worse. I felt weak in my Sunday workout and finally decided to rest yesterday and again today. Why? Because I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired, also I read on WebMD.com that resting helps your body to focus on ridding itself of the bug. Among the home remedies there was even a guy who suggested snorting citric acid from an orange peel to kill the germs. He said he hasn’t had a cold for 11 years and that people are now looking to oranges for a cure to AIDS. Crazy right? By the way, don’t try it...it doesn’t work. I’m just going to rest. Even though it’s taking me a bit off track, it’s a nice change of scenery.

Resting physically causes you to slow down and think a bit more about your life. I realize that spiritually I am also sick and tired of being sick and tired, tired of filling so many spare moments with things that are meaningless, especially T.V. and video games. Since when did they become an important priority? Moderation, yes, but I can’t let them keep me from true rest. They actually wake me up. I have been spiritually restless recently and know I need to cut down on my T.V. time. I feel more relaxed already.

So often we think that being spiritually sound has to do with running ourselves ragged serving the Lord. I disagree. I believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me but I believe that we first need to find our rest, peace and security in Christ. This isn’t my first go around on this lesson. I’ve heard it from the still small voice at other times when I’ve been forced to slow down due to bodily injury.

If you’re sick and tired of being sick and tired I invite you to join me in seeking rest. Don’t wait to be forced to think about it. Choose to take a walk. Read a book that will cause you to reflect on what is really important in life and take that reflection time. Turn off the T.V. during a meal once in a while. When you’re praying alone, try listening. Your mind will probably still be spinning at turbo speed but once you physically slow down you’ll notice you’re competing in many exhausting races you don’t have to run.

Check out Isaiah 40:28-31ESV:

28Have you not known? Have you not heard?The LORD is the everlasting God,
   the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
29He gives power to the faint,
   and to him who has no might he increases strength.
30Even youths shall faint and be weary,
   and young men shall fall exhausted;
31but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
   they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
   they shall walk and not faint.

The renewed strength to do more than you could have ever imagined comes after waiting on God, after resting in Him.

Blessings,
Nick Snell

P.S. In googling “sick and tired of being sick and tired” I found an inspiring video about civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer. The phrase is on her tomb stone and she made it famous in her life. Check out the video if you have time and may your life be one of impact because you learned this lesson before you lay resting in your grave.