J.R. Briggs

6 personal reflections on contracting the H1N1 virus

October 12, 2009

Several have asked me, “Is it true? Did you get it?” It seems that word has traveled faster than the virus itself.

Yes, I have contracted the H1N1 virus. (Yes, that one).

Usually the follow up questions from people flow: “How do you know for sure?” (the doctor said I am a classic case) “How do you feel?” (not well). “Oh no! Will you be alright?” (Thanks for your concern. calm down. I’m going to be fine in a few days). One person, I kid you not, while talking to me on my cell, asked, “Can you get it through the phone, because I think I’m getting a sore throat?” (um. no).

And some have even gone the route of bad jokes and terrible puns that wouldn’t even be suitable for Reader’s Digest. “Oink oink” (good one, buddy). “Are you craving bacon?” (no). “Did the doctor give you any oinkment?” (How do I even respond to that one?) “Have you been kissing pigs recently?” (no, I stopped that bad habit a few months ago).

I’ve found it to be politically incorrect around these parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, due to a large meat packaging company that makes quality products, to use the common phrase to describe the virus – that phrase that rhymes with twine blue – but I will say that my doctor never once used the term ‘H1N1′ and only used the forbidden phrase during my appointment.

I’m not sure where I picked it up. Could be a number of different places. I’ve been in bed since Thursday night, basically. This thing is like the flu on steroids. Lots of rest and cough medicine and ibuprofen. Gatorade’s stock must be up this week. I won’t gointo all the details of how I’m feeling since (a) its gross and (b) nobody likes to hear people complain about how they are feeling physically.

Today’s my first day up on my feet. I’m improving, slowly but surely.

Based on doctor’s orders, I have been quasi-quarantined. The doctor looked me in the eyes on Friday and told me that I am not to be around anyone until at least Wednesday. Megan is sleeping in the guest bedroom for a week. No work, no meetings, no going out in public and no teaching on Sunday at Renew. Just stay in your bedroom.

Exile.

Needless to say, I’ve had lot of time on my hands. Time to think and read and reflect and rest. In some senses, its a bit like a forced brief sabbatical – in a good way. Here are a few random reflections as to what I have been learning/reminded of this week.

[1] We’re intended for relationship. I miss people! The only people I’ve seen face-to-face since Friday is Megan and Carter – and that’s only across the room for a few brief moments a day. Email, phone and text messaging can connect us but there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. I have to admit: I am getting a bit cabin feverish. I can’t wait to be around flesh-and-blood people again.

I did ask a few friends if they knew of any indoor places where there weren’t people around where I might go since I am stir crazy. One suggested a warehouse or a garage (no, thanks). One even suggested a church sanctuary, since during the week they are inefficiently empty (sad, but true. This should prompt further serious theological and ecclesiological reflection, but practically speaking, I better pass on visiting). This same friend also suggested trying a restaurant that serves bad food and has no customers, on the verge of going out of business (I better not risk it). And so, it seems, I’m exiled to the bedroom still. (If you can think of any places, shoot me an email). Maybe I should become a monk…

[2] Touch: It’s the hardest thing to say no when my son asks, “Daddy, can I give you a hug?” Dagger to the heart. I just want to kiss my wife and hug my son. Human touch (handshakes, high fives, hand on a shoulder, hugs, etc) are so important to our health overall. It makes me study the gospels from the angle of physical touch, how – and how often – Jesus touched people who longed to be touched with dignity, respect, care and compassion. It sounds a bit strange to type it, but I am looking forward to the time when I can touch others and be touched by others again. When I am well enough, I want to touch others like Jesus did.

[3] We are not defined by what we do. There are many questions about identity when you sit around and do nothing by yourself for a few days. The Spirit is untangling some cords of un-health and half-truths and reminding me of who I really am and to whom I belong. Freedom.

[4] A healthy church depends upon one person to function – and that person is Jesus. When I found out Friday I would not be able to be in attendance at our gathering on Sunday, I called Tracy, the other pastor at Renew, and told him the situation. I sent a quick email to those involved and the rest was taken care of. I’m so grateful to so many people who have caught that church involves ownership and participation. So many people stepped up and were ready to help, adjust and be flexible. All churches believe that all they do depends upon one person. Unhealthy churches believe its the pastor. Healthy churches believe its Jesus. Grateful that we get to learn that early at Renew!

[5] My wife is amazing. She has done nothing but serve me the past few days. I’m so thankful and honored for all she has done this week, not only for me but for our 2.5 year old and all the things necessary to keep the house in order. Bringing me meals, refilling my water bottle, checking in on me, writing me notes. She deserves a Nobel Peace Prize (and she even has a record to prove she did something).

[6] The gospel is like a highly contagious virus – but for good, not harm. I’m reminded again the gospel in its most foundational element is “sneezable” and is “caught” more than taught. The gospel spreads – person to person – through interactions with others. Its viral in the best sense of the word. What if instead of being afraid of it, we wanted other people to contract it – and when they did, there would be joy? What would it look like for the gospel to be so highly contagious that it is in the news on a daily basis like the swine flu H1N1 virus has been?

Thanks for those who have checked in and asked how I am doing. I am on the mend and will be back to normal in a few days. While I hope the gospel is contagious, I hope that this virus will not be.

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