Dear Cornerstone Family,
You know what they say about December? It’s the happiest sickest time of the year. At church last Sunday, news was spreading. In hushed tones, I kept hearing, “Something’s going around. So-and-so is under the weather. Such-and-such is down for the count.” ‘Tis the season.
With almost prophetic accuracy, the plague descended on the Shurden house that very evening. In the waning hours of the Lord’s Day, I had this vague foreboding that I was coming-down-with-something. In the middle of the night, there was nothing vague about it. I was sick! And I mean sick. Sore throat, cough, fever, chills, headache, body aches...you name it, I had it.
God’s sovereignty notwithstanding, the timing could not have been worse. Our annual leadership Christmas soiree was on the calendar for Tuesday evening, December 12th. This year our theme was “A Classy Christmas at the Corner House.” Delicious fare, festive drinks, and Mariah Carey karaoke––it was all you could want and more. Sadly, when it became clear that this “something going around” was no joke, we pulled the plug. And Mariah Carey cried.
As I write this Pastoral Note, I am far from out of the woods. Checking thermometer once more––yep, 100.5. Still sick. As if I needed a thermometer to confirm I’m still sick. You’d think feeling like death warmed over would be clue enough. But don’t worry, there is an upside to all this. My sides hurt so bad from coughing that I’m finally getting in that core exercise I’ve needed all year. It feels good to tick off one of my new year’s resolutions ahead of time. #winning
Thankfully, I’m an easy patient. I pretty much nurse myself. All I require is Gatorade, Zicam, Chloraseptic, cough syrup, Tylenol alternated with ibuprofen, extra pillows and blankets, eye mask, essential oils, relaxing Christmas music, homemade chicken noodle soup, a variety of Christmas treats, several good books, my iPhone, and...pretty much constant attention and pampering. What, too much to ask?
Forgive me, I’ve clearly been couped up too long. I’ve managed to waste pretty much this entire article talking about how terrible this sickness has been. (Do you feel pity for me yet?)
Truth is, I haven’t cornered the market on sickness and suffering this December. Far from it! As I convalesced at home this week, I took time, as strength allowed, to work my way through the church rolls and catch up on number of phone calls, emails, and text messages. Many of those contacts circled around trials you’re passing through right now—trials far more significant than my seasonal ailment. Hearing you rehearse Scriptural promises, share testimony, and then pray together (over the phone from a healthy distance!) had the unintended but blessed consequence of putting my small potato troubles in eternal perspective. Which, if I’m honest, is exactly what my soul needed.
Your faith and example this week ministered to me in a way no Z-pack or steroid shot could. For you (ad)ministered to me gospel elixir. That is, the one and only cure that does not promise immediate remedy for life’s troubles, but rather treats the sickness behind all sicknesses, namely, sin and death, and ensures our eternal well-being. After all, this is the very mission of Christmas: “For this reason, Christ came into the world to save sinners...” (1 Timothy 1:15).
We are wasting away. Lord knows I feel it. And I bet you do, too. But, let’s not let that get us down. For these light and momentary afflictions are a part of grand design. They are God’s holy means of preparing for us an eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17-18). Should we be further readied this Christmas for that coming eternal weight, it would be a very merry Christmas indeed.
Your servant,
