“SNEEZE!” “Sneeze-SNEEZE!!”
Out of the blue, my spring allergies reached out and smacked me upside the head. They came early, but I supposed the warm and wet winter we had had in Middle Tennessee caused them. All the symptoms suddenly appeared: incessant sneezing, clogged sinuses, itchy red eyes. These symptoms probably came from the grass pollen I’m particularly sensitive to, as well as cedars, which are prolific here. The old maps label the area I live in as “Cedar Forest.” Oh, happy day.
I’m also allergic to the cats that live with us. I usually keep those allergies under control, but when my system goes into overdrive because of other pollen, the cat allergies become a problem as well. Just getting close to one can cause more sneezing and even rashes. I’ve learned that with the first sneeze of spring to start a vigorous hourly hand-washing routine, as well as a frequent uses of hand sanitizer. This helps keep the cat’s contribution to my misery at a manageable level.
Two days after my allergies hit, our grandson Caleb came home from school with the flu. I knew I had the Asheville Christian Writers Conference coming up in a few days. And here Caleb had probably been spreading lovely influenza viruses around the house for at least 24 to 48 hours.
That’s when it hit me. For the day or so Caleb had been contagious before his symptoms hit, God had actually protected me through my allergies. While I had fussed and moaned about the clogged sinuses and constant hand washing, those things kept me safe from the influenza virus Caleb unknowingly spread all over the house. What I had cursed, my loving Father used for good.
In the process of protecting me, my Father had also reminded me of yet another lesson I have been slow to learn. He is always with me, always loves me, and always works for my good—even in those things and in those times when I forget to look for Him.
Always seek God. He is eternally there—even when you're sneezing.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Awesome!!!