My health is changing. Change takes adjustment, even good change. For a decade, I had to wear a health mask in public to protect my lungs and weak immune system (long story…). The restriction was just lifted. Here are some unexpected and kind of humorous things:
- I can smell things again. Who knew that Hobby Lobby has a delightful aroma?
- I can breathe much more easily! The mask may have protected from germs/allergens, but it also protected from easy access to oxygen.
- I have to be sure to check my teeth after eating.
- I must tame my expressions; I do not have a poker face. This fact is no longer hidden. Oops.
- I keep getting comments on my smile.
- I need to carry breath mints again.
- I keep reaching for masks before I walk out the door. (I now must wear gloves when I go out as my allergic reactions are significant to a chemical in common things. Hmmm… perhaps I need to put the gloves where the masks were. Hmmmm…)
And, a not so humorous side effect… fear. My immune system is still not super strong. We don’t know what it can and can’t handle. There are many things that I must still avoid. More than once I have caught myself going to adjust my mask to protect my lungs. After a decade, it is habit.
The emotion of fear has crept in more than once. Notice, fear is an emotion. I have two choices. I can give in to the fear or trust God and get out of the house. Now, that doesn’t mean I am going to foolishly go to places of known allergens or full of germs that we know will cause my immune system issues. However, it does mean that I am going to choose to trust God over my fear.
“46 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.”
What are you afraid of right now? May I encourage you to trust in God? May I encourage you to move forward in courage?
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