I got a shot today. I made the appointment yesterday and walked into the Pharmacy today at 9:30 AM. There was no significant line. No protestors. Nothing much to fill out. Actually, it was no big deal. A pharmacist walked into the little waiting room with a syringe and bottle of vaccine all-in-one. After rubbing my arm with alcohol she injected the clear fluid into my arm and that was that. I got the “senior dose” which contains 4 times the amount of antigen as the usual dose. Meant to produce a stronger immune response. Now I’m good for a year.
Several years ago I got a particularly nasty dose of the flu, and after a week or so in bed at home, I decided I would not miss another flu vaccination again. And I haven’t. Nor have I gotten sick with the flu, as I did a while ago. The advances in medicine are mind-blowing to me. When polio hit the world in the late ’40s, early 50’s, everyone lined up to get the vaccine, developed to stop the spread of the poliovirus which was spreading rapidly worldwide.
The state of medicine in the 1950s was far below what is known now. Nevertheless, we lined up because no one wanted a life in an iron lung, the entire world is seen through a small mirror mounted above the head of the person encapsulated in the iron lung. And the vaccine was effective. Cases dropped and eventually, polio was eradicated in the world. It occurred to me recently that things like the polio vaccine, state-of-the-art prosthetic devices, kidney transplants, and advances in cancer treatment are probably God’s way of answering, today, our prayers for healing. Doctors enjoy the wisdom and insight that God bestows on us so that we may live life better.
I am thankful to God for the vaccine I got today. Some researchers gained insights that resulted in laboratory discoveries. Like a polio vaccine or a cancer treatment that marshals the body’s own defenses or a surgery that no longer requires opening up the abdomen. You get the idea. I’m thankful to God, and I do not want to miss blessings for which God is responsible and for which I pray, “thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth.” Kizzmekia Corbett was one of the researchers that moved mRNA forward and was part of the team that created the Moderna Covid 19 vaccine. In this little 9-minute video she uses language which sounds like she sees God’s hand in the vaccine as well.
I walked out of Rite Aid today with a sense of comfort because I know that with a simple shot I have assisted my body in being prepared for the flu season. I walked out with a sense of gratitude (and sadness) because I know that not everyone has the same opportunity I do. I walk out saying, “O Lord, I thank you for the ways you are working in the world. How can I say “no” to what you are doing and the help you are giving us? May I give thanks to you in all I do and say! And may others see your hand in this as well. In Jesus’ name, I pray this. Amen.”
Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty firmament! Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his surpassing greatness! Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with clanging cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! Psalm 150.