I want to hold on to the way I felt at 22 years of age. My senior year of college was probably the best shape physically I was ever in during my entire life. I could put my elbow on the rim in basketball. I could throw a baseball up to 85 MPH. I could run several miles without feeling like I was going to collapse. Where have those days gone? They are simply a fading memory.
I was grateful to have no commitments this past weekend. I spent much of the time resting and tried to help my body recuperate from these last couple of weeks. The hospital is definitely not a place to get rest. Besides all of the needle sticks, a Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE), and a cardioversion, vital signs must be taken at any point the patient appears to be falling asleep. Yes, two days in the hospital took a toll. Okay, my heart not beating properly may have contributed to the fatigue as well. Bottom line--I am far from being 22 years of age any longer.
It is time to kick things into gear again. It is my hope and prayer that my body cooperates in the process. Several evening commitments will lead to the weekend. On Saturday I will make the five hour drive to Gillette to begin the parish mission. I will preach the weekend Masses at St. Matthew's Parish and then give presentations on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings. We will also have lunchtime panel discussions on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons. On Monday morning I will have the opportunity to be on one of the local radio stations in Gillette to discuss the parish mission. On Tuesday morning I will preach at Mass in which the students from St. John Paul II School will be in attendance. These will be some full days while there. My "Get Up And Go" must be back into full swing by then.
The gift of good health is a tremendous blessing. The gift of suffering reminds us of the value of the gift of good health. Don't take a single day for granted. Let each day be filled with grace and blessing regardless of the difficulties you may be facing. I may not be 22 any more, but I am still a child of God. It doesn't get any better than that!
Get ready Gillette. I will soon be on my way.