Health Setback Forces a Retreat

Health Setback Forces a Retreat
Stardate 04.04.2026

This morning, I was treated to breakfast in bed.

Not because it was planned. Not because it was a celebration. But because my body needed a pause.

Something caught up with me near the end of my shift yesterday and made it clear that retreat was the wise choice. I went home early. I skipped Good Friday services. I canceled cardio tennis this morning. And I spent 11½ hours in bed letting my body do what it was asking me to do — recover.

Today will be slow.

Intentional. Gentle.

My hope is to have enough strength later to install the cabinet doors on the new shelves in the basement. But even that will depend on how I feel. There’s no forcing anything today.

And strangely, there’s peace in that.

I’m off today and tomorrow, which feels like a gift. Space to heal without pressure. Space to listen instead of push.

It’s not easy for me to retreat. I like momentum. I like movement. I like checking things off the list.

But sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is step back and let our bodies catch up with our intentions.

“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul.” — Psalm 23:2–3

This morning feels like green pastures.

Not dramatic. Not exciting. Just restorative.

And I’m grateful for that.

Join me here:
https://substack.com/@michaelmulliganlivelong

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Captain’s Addendum

Spock: “Captain, a temporary retreat appears necessary for long-term effectiveness.”

Bones: “In plain English — sometimes you just need to lie down.”

I’m learning that rest is not a setback. It’s often part of the path forward. And today, I’m thankful for the reminder.