D- Ficient.

So, I went to the doctor last week to explore the reason for my extreme fatigue lately (and no, I am NOT pregnant. That's the other question you're not supposed to ask women) I have always been a tired person, but lately I've been "fall asleep sitting up" tired. As expected, the dr. sent me for some blood work. The results came today, in the form of a little note in the mail that said this:

We have received your Vitamin D test result and your level was 9.4 ng/ml. Normal levels are above 32 ng/ml but optimal levels should be above 50 ng/ml. When levels are higher, scientific studies show a reduced risk for osteoporosis, falls, breast cancer and numerous other health conditions. The doctor recommends you supplement....etc, etc, etc.

Needless to say, I was a bit surprised by this. After googling around it seems possible that the fact that I am so stinking tired could have something to do with just not getting enough sun. Because I can't drink milk (thanks, adult onset milk sensitivity) and I've been spending a lot of time indoors, I guess I just haven't been taking in the nutrients I've been needing. Can you believe that? This extreme lethargy could be from living like a bat in a cave for the last few months! According to what I've been reading, it looks like what I need to do is to catch a few rays and take a few drops of a supplement to get back on track.

It isn't hard to see the spiritual implications here. When we feel that familiar dull ache in our souls, when we notice that we're suffering from lethargy in ministry, when we can barely drag ourselves out of bed to pray, when our spiritual walk has become a crawl, it's a pretty good indication that we aren't soaking up the rays of the Son enough. Time to step out into the Light.

Tomorrow morning I will wake up and be 37. I am going to get a fresh, short haircut. I'll swing by the store and pick up my vitamin D3 drops. I have some more dumb testing to do at the doctor for some other issues. Later, I'll meet amazing friends for dinner at an incredible restaurant. However, I am determined that right smack dab in the middle of the day, I will sit somewhere for at least 15 minutes in the sunshine just be still. I think that might be just the perfect way to celebrate.

I fully expect that this next lap of the race will be the best ever... I'm thrilled at the prospect of having more energy to run faster, harder, farther both physically and spiritually. I feel encouraged by the fact that I'm surrounded by people I love, supported by family I love, and nourished by the God who first loved me.

Cheers!

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Hebrews 12:1