Try A Little Tenderness

It's been one of those "character-building" weeks where I've learned a lot--the hard way. What I learned from a sinus infection:

1) Older sisters (especially older sisters who are nurses in allergy and asthma offices) know a lot. When an older sister tells you to go to the doctor because you probably have a sinus infection, you should go.

2) A sinus infection left festering for three months from the time your sister gave sage advice will most likely go all crazy on your body, resulting in symptoms some of which may not even seem sinus-related--rash, entire body aching, fever, hideous sore throat, and major chest congestion.

3) Doctors can be nice people and are not to be feared; therefore, they are not to be avoided.

4) My husband is amazing! (Okay, I pretty much already knew that.) He picked up all the slack--took care of the boys, made all the meals, kept up the house, ran pharmacy pick-ups, and managed his seminary work--all without complaining. He was extremely compassionate and tenderhearted.

5) Compassion and tenderness are really nice. It's lovely to be the one receiving such graces. I wish I could say that the wonderful treatment I received from Nathanael was simply a mirror of my own tender-loving care of him when he's been ill or injured, but it isn't. (Those of you who know my low tolerance for sports-related injuries in particular are laughing right now.)

6) I am generally not compassionate or tender to my family when they are sick or hurt. I need to change. (But, Lord, please don't test me on this anytime soon!)