Nothing Common About It

The Common Cold.

I caught myself saying that several times last night. The more I said it, the stranger it sounded. Does that every happen to you?

According to Britannica, the common cold is an acute viral infection that starts in the upper respiratory tract, sometimes spreads to the lower respiratory structures, and may cause secondary infections in the eyes or middle ears.

And why is it common? There really is nothing common about it.

More than 200 agents can cause symptoms of the common cold, including parainfluenza, influenza, respiratory syncytial viruses, and reoviruses. Rhinoviruses, however, are the most frequent cause, and some 100 different strains of rhinoviruses have been associated with cold like illness in humans.

And because I grew up in the 60's and 70's, when I think of the cold, I also think of Vick's Formula 44.

As a kid, I LOVED that stuff. The taste was wonderful, especially compared to so many other cough syrups on the market in that era. I always thought it was the taste (I love black licorice) but what I didn't know, and I'm sure my mom did not realize at the time is, the reason it was so effective at allowing kids to sleep is because of the absurdly high amount of alcohol in each serving. Along with a heaping dose of phenylpropanolamine, it was nothing but nighty-night for us. (Maybe mom did know. Hmmm. ?)

Anyway, I had a good weekend. Headed to work early Monday. By afternoon I realized my throat was getting sore; out of nowhere. By late afternoon it hurt to swallow. I have been home, sick, since then. Coughing. Runny nose. Watery eyes. Fever. Chills. Headache and bone aches; I don't feel good!

I am doing all the things one should. Tylenol. Nyquil. Elderberry Syrup (Thank you Hayley) Lots of rest and sleep. Hot bath. etc. But it's not only the physical discomfort that I am feeling. I am also feeling anxious and a bit worried some things and that is NOT me! Please pray for me.

Without going into any detail, I have recently stretched my 'faith' muscle and then this happens; home sick, again, for what will probably end up being 3 or 4 days. And so today, I write especially to me.

If I were my good friend, I would quote Philippians 4:6. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;" NKJV

Isn't that beautiful? Such a promise! A promise I can claim, a promise you can claim. That is the beauty of God's promises. They are far reaching and everlasting.

I would remind her to "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."1 Peter 5:7

I found this prayer online this morning at biblestudytools.com I think it is perfect for today.

Dear God, I am prone to worry. I let the happenings of the world, the elections and the economy sit heavy on me. I need to find your peace. I invite you to restructure my thinking. May my hope be you. May my peace be you. May you help love flow out from me. Give me clarity. May I change what I am able to change and release what I can't. May I know that the greatest joy is staying where you are. God, thank you that you have the whole world in your hands. I need not fear because you are the best manager, orchestrator and caretaker. You made it all. I believe in your plan. Amen.

We serve a mighty God. He is in control; always has been, always will be. He is mighty in power and He is mighty to save.

Job 37:5-6 says, "God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’ " NIV

That is our God, and we have nothing to be anxious about. I have nothing to be anxious about. Have a blessed day and don't forget to pray.

by Jeanette Stark - November 10, 2022