There is something about kneeling in front of the toilet puking your guts out that reminds you of your place in the world. No matter how great or small, we are all human and vulnerable. While we often like to impress ourselves with our greatness, we often forget how weak we really are.
I spent the better part of this morning throwing up. Somewhere between heaves, I realized how insignificant schoolwork seemed in light of my recent circumstances. No amount of success in my work made me more or less vulnerable to being sick. And while I am thankful that I'm much better now, I can't help but remember the fragility of being human.
I know I serve a loving God who has a purpose for my life. Though I'm powerless to prevent myself from becoming grievously ill, God, through his sustaining hand prevents or allows this. I don't have to worry about the future because I know that God has a purpose in what He does and allows.
Job's example rings clear with me. Job says, in Job 1:21:
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."