FORCED REST

God has placed me in a major FORCED REST. The doctor emphatically declared, "DO NOTHING/COMPLETE REST" for at least several weeks, but possibly several months. Yikes! Why? Diagnosis: post-viral pericarditis. This is my best opportunity to completely heal, or else I might battle pericarditis the rest of my life.

I'm an exerciser, biker, walker, runner and as my son says, "Mom, this is quite possibly the hardest/worst thing you will ever have to do, but please, please do it-we want you to get better." 

Since pericarditis is chest pain and extreme fatigue, turns out, easy to rest. At first, looking at and deleting lots of old email (and finding a few buried treasures), phone calls, texts, podcasts, a little TV, but that is not really very restful. Now reading books, journaling, some porch rocking chair visits with friends. I am so thankful for current Bible studies, devotions, quiet time, etc. and just hearing God's peace and comfort. My second story bedroom has a wall of windows with a little sitting area-in my family affectionately named Grandpa and Grandma's “tree house". I love sitting in my recliner, gentle breezes, lovely birds' songs (until they stop around 1:00 pm-apparently the birds take a siesta-HA), or sitting on my back patio under the trees by our peaceful fountain. I am so thankful for big windows, beautiful blue skies, recliners, great medical care and medicines, for my incredible family, for friends who have reached out to us. I am thankful I do not have little children whom I am taking care of, nor an intense job that is pushing me back to work.

Generally I have been very involved with the ministry of Concordia High School..."go and make disciples" what better place than local teens? Teenage years-so important for faith development and launching into life. Future Christian leaders of homes, churches, our nation, etc. With our chaotic world, I delight in helping with a joy-filled, faith-filled place for teens to spend their days learning and growing.

My kids are all thriving in faith, family, careers, all more than 1000 miles away, but still very "close" lots of visits, texts, facetime, etc. I have been with most of them in person most of the months in 2026. In September, I will have 7 grandchildren under 7 years old. Lots of facetime visits with grandkids. (A few weeks ago I read books to my 6 yr old grandson for over 2 hrs on FT!) Still opportunities for encouraging and  influencing the next generations with God's Word.

My husband continues to provide compassionate complex care to many many patients whom he considers his friends. (His goal is to make every patient laugh during their visit and send them out with a remedy for their problems!) He is becoming very unique in the medical world that sadly now is very focused on numbers. He does not want to abandon his people. Walking away will be hard. He is getting older and so appreciates my support in just handling everything at home (before pericarditis!) and my encouragement so he can continue on. Retirement is constantly in our prayers and discussions.

Having this unknown time frame -very hard! But do we know any time frame? All we really know is that we are in God's hand!!  “ It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8

I am torn between this sweet REST with all responsibilities released versus wanting to get back to ahhh just a nice bike ride on the trail, walking up stairs at normal pace without chest pain, working with my people and responsibilities for the mission of CHS, and running and playing with my precious grandchildren, etc. 

Here are very specific verses God has given me for this time-through my Bible readings or what people have sent to me :

2 Cor. 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Romans 12:12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Praying that I can have complete recovery, but ultimately I know that God's will is best!!

May God bless and keep you and yours-especially in the unexpecteds.

If you have any stories about pericarditis from your family and friends, please share them with me.