Life Cycle

My classmates told me I should write a poem about this, but my brain is too tired to be clever, so I think I'll blog instead.

Why is that whenever I get a cold, I get bronchitis? And why is it that when I get bronchitis, I tend to get pneumonia? And why is it that this cycle of sickness always occurs during midterms and finals?!

The world of science would say that, due to a combination of my decreased immune system (thank you, MS) and irritable airways (thank you, asthma), I am physically susceptible to complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Spiritual fanatics might say that the devil is attacking me in an attempt to thwart God's plans for my life. Bible thumpers (don't worry, we like to be called that) would say that God is testing my faith by allowing me to undergo trials.

Me? I say this is just proof of my dad's favorite adage, "Life's a *bleep*, and then you die." Life sucks. I mean really. Sickness, poverty, murder, heartache, who needs it?

Have you ever tried to threaten your kids with death? (Sorry, too tired to come up with a good segue.)

"If you don't wear your seatbelt and I get into a car accident you could die."

I have tried this approach on my kids, and let me tell you, it does not work. "Sweet," they answer, "then I get to go to heaven, which is waaaay better than this place." Great. The college honor student is outsmarted by a seven year old. How embarrassing.

The fact is, sometimes this life does suck. The good news is that those of us who believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ have hope. Hope that this life will soon pass away and be replaced by an eternity in God's presence. "Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away" (Albert E. Brumley).

Oh, and for the record, my life is truly blessed (bronchitis notwithstanding). I have a God who can move mountains, and a husband and four kids who love Him and me.