I got checked
In hockey, checking is an action by the defensive team to separate the puck from the offensive player who has possession. As a basketball player, I used similar moves to block the pathway of a defensive player so my teammate could dribble past and score. Speaking from a sports standpoint, checking can interrupt the opposing team’s actions, preventing them from achieving a particular goal. Checking can be used effectively as an offensive or defensive strategy.
This happens in life, too, doesn’t it? We have a particular goal or target in mind and something interferes to halt our progress toward that goal. Many things can slow or stop us–a family crisis, a job change, personality conflicts, illness, and more.
Two weeks ago, I attended Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference. As always, the conference upheld its reputation as the premier Christian Writers Conference. Outstanding faculty, well-known publishers, editors, and agents; inspiring speakers; and six hundred enthusiastic, encouraging, and motivated attendees makes for an amazing experience.
The conference did not disappoint. And who could complain about a week of sunny days in the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Like most writers after attending a conference, I have a long list of goals.
But, I got checked.
I came home with Covid. After recovering, I had two more days of Grandma duty keeping my little ones while their mother finished her school year. The youngest one was sick and I’m now battling a bacterial infection.
Checked again…
I’m halted in my tracks. But while I’m bemoaning the delay of tasks I need/want to accomplish, I’m also very aware of the fact that sometimes our Lord halts us in our tracks to get our attention. When we become so busy that we drift away from our relationship with Him, He sends checks to get us back on target.
Just as Jesus often sought a quiet place to pray, meditate, and be in His Father’s presence, I’ve been given that opportunity to do the same.
Finding our rest in God
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him. (Psalm 37:7)
My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)
What about you? Has God “checked” you so that your journey can be redirected, closer to Him?
I’m sorry you got sick, but not sorry about the check. As you say, God knows what you need, and He allowed it for a reason. Thanks for sharing this story.
I agree, Annie. “Checks” are good for us, even though they’re painful. As you say, “Go knows what we need.” Wishing you a blessed week!
The current economical state is “checking” all is us these days. When we get these bumps on the road, I am reminded of the last verse in the Bible, “even so, Lord quickly come.”
I think when we are sick or in crisis, we are in such need of God that the phrase you quote, “even so, Lord quickly come” is a call for His help and intervention. Of course, no one but God knows when that time will be. But “even so” we are blessed with His presence, in the form of the Holy Spirit, always with us. Thank you for sharing, Ben.
I have hated most everything about Lyme Disease, but it made me slow down and focus on God. It also has given us a vision for a future ministry. God can use anything for His glory.
I am sorry you’ve suffered from Lyme Disease, Jennifer. Of course it is the “gift” that stays with you if it becomes chronic. My husband had chronic Lyme Disease, too. I admire your attitude that God can use your tragedy, your cross, to His glory. Wishing you joy and blessings.
Sorry to hear you got Covid, Katherine! Those unplanned and undesirable checks are part of the Lord’s rebuilding but we sure don’t like them. I try to remember that he’s not building out of us a cute little cottage but a castle. Because he intends to live there.
I love how you’ve expressed your thoughts, Mary. The building hurts because He’s tearing down and rebuilding, but to think, He plans a castle for His dwelling within us. We’re a “temple for the Holy Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19) and the thought that we are a castle for our Father is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so sorry you got sick, and I hope you’re starting to feel better. We have to trust that the Lord’s timing is best when life “checks” us and slows us down. He’s using you even now as you share this story!
Thank you for your concern and good wishes, Janet. After a second round of medications, I am improving. Yes, as Proverbs 3:5 reminds us: Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding–when those checks come, God is sending a message. Wishing you a blessed week.
What a perfect analogy, Katherine. I’m sorry you got sick twice, but thank you for sharing this important truth with us. I remember a number of times when illnesses resulted from lack of rest and pushing too hard to accomplish what I thought only I could do. As I rested and recovered, I was reminded to focus on God and trust Him for results.
Thank you for sharing, Jeannie. God is reminding me of that same lesson. Thank you for your care and concern. I hope your week is full of joy and sunshine.
I needed this reminder, Katherine. Thank you.
Thank you, Diana. I’m grateful you stopped by.
So sorry you got sick. I feel like I’ve heard a number of my friends are down for another count of COVID. I hope you feel better soon. God has checked me so many times. Thanks for reminding me He has a purpose even in illness.
Thank you for your concern and good wishes, Sylvia. After a second round of medication, I am improving. I’m thankful for God’s “checks” and for His loving care and guidance as we go through those challenges.
Often times I have a plan of how I think things will go. I trod headlong down the path to make that happen. It’s not uncommon for things to come up that take me down a detour or halt my progress altogether. It can be very frustrating, but I can see that God is often asking me if I trust Him to get me to the final goal in His time and in His way.
Thanks for helping me to see this truth, Katherine. Feel better soon.
I make plans, too, Terri, thinking my plan is the best. As with you, God intervenes and shows me another way or stops me on the path. As you say, “God is often asking me if I trust Him to get me to the final goal in His time and in His way.” Thank you for sharing that insightful wisdom with us. Thank for your good wishes–I am beginning to feel better. May God bless you this week.
I’m glad you recovered from Covid, but sorry you got sick again with something else. Hopefully, your checks have transformed into positive pushes toward accomplishing your goals. Blessings to you, Katherine!
Those checks are tough at the time, but I do believe God sends them for a reason and guides us through it. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes. I hope also, that God will lead me to positive outcomes during this time of recovery and isolation. Wishing you blessings and continued joy in your writing.
Am so sorry you also got that nasty bug Ms. Katherine, but at the same time, I’m excited to see what God is going to teach you in your “down time.” I’m sure with your upcoming book launch, hay season, and everything else you’re thinking this could not have come at a worse time, but remember that God’s timing is always perfect. Whatever He has in store for you, I just know it’s going to be a blessing ma’am. In our prayers.
I know you understand, my friend, the pressure of worrying about animals, cutting hay at the right time, dealing with extreme heat, and trying to fit in some writing time, while keeping up with other essential tasks. But, you are absolutely right, that God’s timing is perfect. He is with me and with you all on the Cross-Dubya, too. May God bless you.
I’ve been checked often. So sorry Covid caught up with you too. I got it the first week in May and you may remember this was the week I lost my brother.
Sure hope you’re on the mend and back to the task at hand. God will prevail!
I’m beginning to feel better. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes. I hope the conference was a blessing for you and you have had some opportunities to open up. Wishing you much joy on the journey.
I love hockey, and so I enjoyed your analogy. I am so sorry you got COVID at the conference and other illnesses. Prayer for you to be back to full strength soon and ready to tackle your next assignment.
Thank you for your prayers, Yvonne. I am improving. So good to see you on pjnet.tv this week. I’m so glad the BRMCWC was a great experience for you. It’s one of my favorite places to be each May. Wishing you blessings on you writing journey and much joy.
I’m so sorry you got sick–twice! But I appreciate the important lesson that gave you, and I hope you feel better and able to get back to your tasks really soon!
Thank you for your care and concern, Kathy. This seems to have been my year for sickness. My grandchildren share with me–not just love and hugs, but GERMS! Blessings my friend.
Hope you feel better soon. Blue Ridge is a great conference. Glad you could go. It will be interesting later on for you to look back and consider how you might have done your task list differently without the check.
It’s so wise of you to consider this time as the opportunity to draw close to God.
Great post, Katherine. God bless!
I’m grateful for your good wishes, Nancy. I like your idea that I should reflect. I don’t do enough of that because it seems I’m always focused on my “to do” list. But you’ve reminded me how important it is to to look back to consider not just what I did, but what wisdom did my Father grant me during the lesson. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, Nancy.