It seemed innocent enough…

 

An “all natural” fig bar.

Rushed to make an evening meeting, I didn’t bother to eat dinner.  When I arrived, I was pleased to be offered something to take the edge off.  It tasted good, and took my mind off of dinner.  About 40 minutes into the meeting, my lower lip began to feel strange.  I didn’t give it much thought, but by the time I got home, it had swollen to about twice its normal size.  By 3:00 am, my entire face was swollen to the point I was unrecognizable.  Something was seriously wrong.  When the Urgent Care was open, I was at their door.  With a shot in the hip and a prescription in tow, the swelling began to slowly reduce.

This new experience with an allergic reaction gave me an opportunity to examine a couple of life issues.

The person I saw in the mirror at 3:00 am was someone I didn’t recognize.  As I looked at the disfigurement, the thought of what it would be like to go through life looking like this crossed my mind.  How would I be received by others?  Given the unpleasant appearance, I think people would avoid getting to know me, not want to wait on my table and generally not engage me.  It gave me a fresh perspective on life.

It was also a very graphic reminder that life can change very quickly.  The normal, healthy and happy lives we live can end in the blink of an eye.

All of this left me very grateful.  One day later, the medication is working and I am returning to normal.  I am very thankful.

An occasional  fresh perspective on life is a good thing.

*** Gordon Howie *** is an author and CEO of Life and Liberty Media

Follow me on Twitter @GordonHowieSD

“friend” me on facebook for daily updates.

See more about Texas Longhorn Cattle, Real Estate, Music and Politics at www.ghowie.com

Our mission is to promote Conservative Christian principles, help the hurting and provide truth and information to a lost and dying world.

“It’s not about right or left, it’s about Right or Wrong.”