Four days volunteering in a festival outside- under a tent, and a wonderful (facetiously said) thing happened… heat exhaustion. Yes, I was drinking what I usually do, but I guess that just wasn’t enough. Anyway, three hours before closing on Sunday, it felt like I was hit by a bus and I was done for anything but sitting and talking. Not good because I should have been making balloons to give out.
Breathing was difficult most of the day due to humidity. At 3 pm all the body parts that often hurt started hurting at once. Everything I did caused aching. Fatigue set in, I felt slightly nauseous and my body temperature rose. I fought to stay on the job not realizing until after I left at 6 pm that I was running a 102.5 temperature. As I walked out to my car I realized my head was pounding and my heart felt like it was going too fast. Sure enough, checking my temperature and resting pulse verified my feelings.
When I got home I ate, drank, took an ibuprofen and slept for an hour. It was kind of difficult given how fast my heart was going- about 120/ min. after lying down for a while! Though I considered the hospital, I was sure much would be better after my rest. I was wrong. After more food, drink and checks I realized not much had changed- my pulse came down 15/ min. That was when I found a Tylenol to lower the fever.
Went to sleep around 10 pm. The fever had lessened some but it was 2 am before it was down to 100. By 6 am when I woke up, my temperature was 96- a bit low, but I was happy to see my resting pulse went down to 70. After getting morning kid stuff done, I snoozed a couple more hours and was good for the day with only a lingering stiff neck. (What an excuse for not posting, hey!!!)
So I could write about stiff necked people, about how we should take care of these temples, using common sense, or many other good topics, but I'd rather write about how God helped me through it. He kept my mental state calm, my body alive, and more importantly, spoke by the Spirit into me things that made me smile and even laugh. Though I can't remember any of it now, I know it felt like I had a friend with me who was trying to cheer me up when I was in a tough spot.
Wow, what a God we serve!!!
He created us for a fabulous life with Him and even though we messed it up, He made a plan to set it straight again. He loves us so much He sent His Son to die for our sins so we could be together again; and even though we cannot stop sinning, He chooses to dwell in us. And in the long, difficult times He loves on us and gives us what we need to get through the night, the loneliness or other troubles.
Wow, what an awesome God we serve!!!
When you pass through the waters, I'll be with you; and through the rivers, they won't sweep over you. when you walk through fire you won't be scorched, and the flame won't set you ablaze. "I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Redeemer... Is. 43:2,3
Even when I walk through a valley of deep darkness, I will not be afraid because you are with me. Your rod and your staff—they comfort me. Ps. 23:4
