Rest, Heal, then Serve.

Now Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.

Mark 1: 30-31

Here I sit; cuddled up in my recliner, wrapped in a blanket, still fighting off whatever virus/infection has hit me. We are in the midst of a severe flu outbreak, so I am grateful for the negative flu test. But I am home sick, as are so many others. As I come across this section of today’s lectionary text, I am struck by two things.

1. Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed, sick. Plastered all over the news and social media are the warnings:  IF YOU ARE SICK STAY HOME! The motivation is two-fold. First, if you are out in public while you are sick, you are spreading the illness further. Every cough, sneeze, or physical contact provides a chance for someone else to succumb to whatever virus or infection has attacked your body. Secondly, your body needs rest in order to heal. God wove rest into the very fabric of creation by providing for the Sabbath. After creating the world and all that is in it, the Almighty God rested, and mandated that we, as well, should rest from our labors. In this current world of busy-ness, we seldom take the time to truly rest. Even when ill, we continue to scurry, our bodies and souls stressed and preventing true healing. Simon’s mother-in-law was doing as she should when sick. She was resting in bed and allowing others to care for her.
2. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.  After Jesus healed her, she got to work. They had been taking care of her. Now it was her turn to take care of them. We are called to take care of others, to serve. Once we have rested, it is time to get to work. 

I stayed home from church today; something that rarely happens. I am resting my body, hoping to recover from this flu-type bug so I can get to work tomorrow. I am resting in my ministry as well. For years I have worked diligently in ministering to children and youth, either as a non-paid church servant, or on church staff. Having just completed my course work for a Master of Arts in Practical Theology and not currently serving in any paid or non-paid ministry position, I am resting - waiting for guidance on the next course of action. Where am I to use this call you have placed upon my life?  Where am I to serve?

Here I am, Lord. I have heard you calling. I will go, Lord, if you lead me. Please lead me.