I write this note with a sense of light-headedness. I thought I was a seasoned traveler. I assumed I was disciplined in what I ate and drank. Something had hit me. I do not know what it is for sure. Those with more medical insight inform me that I have a mild case of food poisoning combined with an episode of sinusitis. Whatever it is, I know the results! I am dizzy and lightheaded. I am fighting a combination of recurring faintness and an overwhelming desire to sleep. Whatever it is, it is not good.
I woke as the sunrise flooded the room. I was tired, but nothing that was out of the ordinary. I knew it was going to be a big day. I could feel the surge of adrenalin. I was certain that this plus a cup of Vietnamese coffee would carry the day. My optimism was similar to a sailor heading out of the harbor with a favorable wind.
If the sailing metaphor works, I was “no sooner out to sea than a gale-force wind, the infamous nor’easter, struck.” (Acts 27.14)
I should have seen it coming, but I did not. I should have acted on my first symptoms, but I thought I could tough it out. I was physically present but the rest is simply embarrassing. The only thing that made it a little less worse was the fact that half of the conference attendees were struggling with food poisoning as well.
Each time I rallied, I crashed. When I thought I had turned a corner to the better, my mind faded beyond my control. Everything went pear shaped. It was not pretty.
Life offers us early warning signs. Today was a day that I hope I will remember while forgetting. I want to remind myself of the importance of taking care of my body. I hope that I will listen to the warning signs with greater interest. Even in my will to recover, I should recognize when enough is enough.
I can sense Life’s healing hand. It feels wonderful.
