Not that research hadn’t already shown that high levels of stress weakens your immune system but at the moment I’m living proof.

The day before finals the cold bug bit me. So glad to have this term over, good grades in both courses, family happy and for the most part healthy. I’m giving myself the next 5 days off before I start working on everything for my trip. The Moose and I wrapped all of our gifts last night and I’m going to enjoy this holiday break after I work the next two days by cooking and hanging out with our families.

I must share the strange but comforting experience I had in the library studying the other day. Now keep in mind I’m not particularly into organized religion but I am spiritual and I do have a personal relationship with God. I was sitting in the library studying for several hours and at some point this older gentleman with a kind face sat down at the table next to mine and started reading his bible with a stack of papers in a manila envelope. We both continued to read for quite a long time not paying each other much attention.

As it drew closer to closing time the gentleman looked up and said, “Ma’am I am not sure what you are studying for but I hope you do well. If you don’t mind, before you leave today I’d like to say a prayer with you.” I thanked him and gave my assent. He began preparing his things to leave before I had finished with what I was reading. He looked up again and said, “If you don’t mind I have to go but I’d really like to pray with you…I wasn’t sure why I came to the library tonight, I usually go to IHOP and read with coffee on this weeknight but for some reason I stopped here. I feel like the Lord wants you to know that everything you’re working so hard for is for a good reason and you’re doing the right thing.  Also whatever you’ve been praying about for the last 7-8 weeks is going to work out and you and your family will have a great holiday season.”

I gave him a smile and thanked him. We said a short prayer together and he left. It was strangely comforting to me considering all the emotional turmoil I have felt with school and, well, everything else that has been happening. As I was packing up my things shortly after he had left, I pulled up the calendar and counted back. Seven weeks ago to that day I had started to worry about a couple of things and I had been praying. I must say I’m still a little weirded out but feel a little relieved despite my initial reaction of being skeptical. It was a strange experience and I didn’t realize how much it had affected me until I was trying to tell my parents when I went to pick up Lil Bit. I started crying and I’m still not sure if it’s because of relief from what he said or because exams were over…or both.

I hope that you and your families have a wonderful holiday season and–regardless of being politically correct or not– Merry Christmas!

P.S. Not saying that I won’t blog between now and then but it’s not as likely due to our busy schedule.