groggy

I remember, as a preschooler, mentally picturing a slimy green frog with goggling eyes and a swollen throat when I heard the word "groggy". I knew the actual meaning of the word, but it sounded so much like "froggy" that I couldn't help imagining one.

This morning, I feel groggy. And, what's more, a slimy green frog with goggling eyes and a swollen throat personifies quite well this grogginess. Here's a word to the wise: when you already have a head cold, do not (I repeat, do NOT!) start reading The Shack for the first time as a way to unwind before you go to bed! You will not unwind. :) Sleep fled and my hands and eyes were adhered to the book. Entirely robbed of free will, I remained mesmerized until hours after I should have been asleep. (I won't divulge the exact hour; that might prove to be far too useful information.) A book hasn't been able to exert quite this strong a power over me since I first read Uncle Tom's Cabin years ago.

Once I finally became partially conscious of my surroundings again, I (with no little difficulty) dropped the book to the floor beside my bed and proceeded to lie in great alertness for quite some time. Highly unusual for me. I could see with clarity so many happenings in my own life that caused me to carry a Great Sadness. I suddenly had permission to grieve, permission to release the dark guilt that accompanied the doubt of God's presence and love.

Suffice it to say that I highly recommend reading The Shack. I do not recommend doing so when sleep is necessary for the battling of a cold. Doing so will result in your feeling like a frog.