This weekend I have been struck with a virus, the common cold. My ears hurt, I keep sneezing and coughing, my throat hurts, my eyes matt shut and I feel crummy.

I have these goals, you see. I push myself to reach 12,000 steps every day, to complete strength training, to get outside and walk and cycle.

But the recommended treatment for my cold is rest.

Bleh.

I’m on a roll. I do not want to mess this up. I have a goal to reach and less than 85 pounds to go.

I will reach my goal. But first, I must listen to my body and rest.

Bleh.

This week, my brother reminded me of the following scripture:

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV

When that was written, the author was talking about far worse tribulation than anything I have endured. Yet this seems like the perfect game plan.

Rejoice. Rejoice in the journey we have taken so far, in the progress achieved, in the ups and downs of the journey, in the introduction of new friends, in the physical progress like added energy, physical transformation, the ability to climb stairs, walk an extra mile and use the skinny stall in the public restroom. In all things rejoice!

Be patient. Sometimes God tells us to be still. Sometimes He wants us to slow down. Sometimes we just catch a cold and need to rest. Let’s listen and obey. We are still on our journey. The path is still before us. The finish is in sight. We will succeed. In fact, we will probably still lose weight while we are sick. This whole journey was about taking care of ourselves and this temple so, first, rest. And be patient.

Be constant in prayer. This often goes hand in hand with some words I spoke in the Drainage ditch post. It also goes with slowing down. Hit the pause button and pray. Rest and pray. Drink plenty of fluids and pray. Eat healthy and pray. Pray constantly.

And rejoice, even in the small setbacks.