An Answered Prayer (in a funny sort of way)

Yet again God shows His sense of humor:

Early in December I was overwhelmed with so much to do:  end of semester work, looming finals, extra prayers for Advent, extra activities in preparation for Christmas... In addition, the recent visit with family during Thanksgiving was wonderful but left me with a definite feeling of homesickness.  I found myself telling God what I wanted was some time alone.  As the days passed I determined that it wasn't so much of a want as a need.  What I longed for was a few days like before I came to the convent: no schedule, no one to answer to, just me doing what I want, when I want, how I want... But I accepted that there simply isn't alone time in my current situation.

And life went on busy, busy, busy.  Until one Wednesday I had a sore throat and discovered some nasty while spots on my tonsils:  Strep Throat.  I found out really quickly how sickness is handled in the convent:  quarantine.  Ok that's my word (because I find this whole thing funny), but others might put it a little less dramatically by saying that I had to stay in my room.  Actually, I was really excited to be told to go back to bed, so much so that I couldn't get back to sleep!  When I visited the doctor that afternoon she confirmed my diagnosis, sent me home with antibiotics, and prescribed me 48 more hours of quarantine.

When I got home I realized pretty quickly that there are no electronics in my room.  This would surely not be how I was accustomed to spending sick days.  So just I sat in bed.  It didn't take me long to remember my prayer for some time alone.  I laughed out loud!  Right in the middle of finals and Christmas preparations, God gave me two and a half days of quarantine.  Not exactly what I had in mind, but I'll take it!  I decided to make the most of this gift.

So I'm writing this half way through my quarantine.  (I'll type and post it when I'm home after Christmas.)  Thankfully I've felt pretty well this whole time; it is just those contagious white spots that are the "problem".  Someone said that I'm a pretty cheerful sick person.  I guess I'm not doing a very good job hiding my excitement about staying in bed, wearing pjs all day, getting my meals delivered (though I hate imposing on my busy friends), reading, cleaning, and taking naps.

My point in writing and posting this is to show that God answers prayers, though not always in ways that you hope.  I emerged from my quarantine very well rested.  Christmas was a very special day.  I have not doubt that I was able to enjoy it as much as I did because was so well rested and in a much better frame of mind.

(I'm well aware that this post may have made me sound like a brat - enjoying my confinement all the while depending on others who are already quite occupied with finals and pre-Christmas hustle and bustle that continues on downstairs without me.  I'm assuming that anyone who reads this knows me and knows very well that I would gladly be helping out right not if it weren't for the contagious nature of the bug that I caught.)