One week ago I woke up with a strange burning sensation in my left earlobe. By the end of the day the pain was unbearable.

My earlobe was swollen and a reddish purplish color. The urgent care doctor diagnosed me with a bacterial infection known as Cellulitis. If left untreated, my condition could have become severe.

Who knew that something as small and random as my left earlobe could cause such pain, frustration and disruption? 

I was completely healthy the day before. I anticipated enjoying a weekend full of fun activities.

The next day everything changed.

I could not attend the weekend’s activities because my body was hurting and it needed rest. Being that I am a people person and a lover of lots of activity, lying in bed alone and quiet is … pure torture! But, that is what I did.

As you can imagine, I wrestled with God about the timing of what happened. However, as I submitted and rested, He replaced my frustration with gratefulness.

I am thankful I went in and prevented the infection from spreading. I am thankful for the doctor’s wisdom and the medication that is healing me. I am thankful that my mind and body received the rest they needed.

I am thankful that something as small as an earlobe taught me a significant lesson on being thankful in the midst of pain.

Life is short. Our bodies are more delicate than we realize. When I returned home from urgent care that evening, I held Jack and Katie a little longer before we put them to bed. I did not care that it was past their bedtime. Life can change quickly and tomorrow is not as sure and planned out as we think it is.

So friend, we are not invincible. Bacteria can bring us down … quickly. Every day we experience is a gift. Unwrap it with awe, and enjoy it. May we strive to remain thankful amidst the interruptions, pain, frustrations, joy and blessings. Let’s stay on the phone a minute longer, or choose to hug our loved ones a little longer.

Tomorrow may bring about something you did not expect…

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. —James 4: 13-14, NIV