In the wake of my own bout of illness, I am reminded how fragile we humans are. Being sick, in my opinion, is probably one of the most annoying parts. Usually, it isn't anywhere near life risking, but it certainly throws off your day waking up with your nose running like a faucet or your throat sorer than your calves after day one of marathon training.

In my experience, I find that oftentimes my sick days show up because I've been working or pushing myself a little too hard. And this is my body's way of telling me to take it easy. Doesn't make the time any less miserable. Well, unless I pop in a copy of Mary Poppins. That usually helps ease the experience a bit.

In my line of work, particularly with children, sickness tends to run rampant and our personal health goals often go by the wayside in order to better care for these children.

And while all these things are with the best intentions, we still find ourselves seemingly punished for doing so. It's June, and yet there are massive amounts of flu, colds and allergies flying around, infecting us with their time-consuming miserable-ness. It makes little sense.

And yet, it is good to remember that we are given, among the other symptoms, time to rest and perhaps do some self-evaluation. We often don't see how busy we are, or how much we are pushing ourselves until things like sickness force us to take a beat.

And in that beat, just maybe, we get the chance to remember some of the smaller, simpler things in life. The beauty in the sunshine or the rhythm in the rain. The possibilities of color and imagination in just about any medium of art. The ease of getting lost in the story of a book or novel. The comfort of a bowl of soup and the fact that your friend or family member is willing to help take care of you.

Sure, we may feel miserable, but should that really detract that much from our life? Some people are basically sick all day due to difficult diseases. And the best mindset most of them have is not a desire to try and act normal. Instead, they incorporate the other things that don't really sound pleasant into their normal.

We still have a lot to appreciate here on this earth even when we're sick. And we still have a job to do. To love God and love others, no matter what. Our health is absolutely important but it should never take away from this fact.

So drink some tea. Get some extra shut eye. Take cold medicine. Stay wrapped up in blankets and keep socks on. Blow your nose. Cough up the mucus. And take the time to heal.

But don't forget that today is still a day given to you by the Lord. Make the most of it and remember our purpose here on earth.