Empathy Building

Nine days with a nasty cold topped off by a twenty-four hour stomach virus. I tend to get a bit discouraged when I don't take a quick turn for the better, but the Lord always uses this down time for empathy building. As I lie so still trying to avoid the feeling of nausea, my thoughts go to all those who struggle with chronic illness. Prayers are said, and true compassion is felt. Heal them, oh, Lord, that they might be healed. Strengthen them with your grace. Help us to be patient in affliction. Enable us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds. Let our sufferings prepare for us an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs them all.