It is surprising that many speak only of pains in sickness: without mentioning the blessings and benefits of sickness! Some could reach a state of grumble and distress, and even they could ask God “Why have you done all this to me?” But you should not be like that. But in your sickness you thank God for the blessings you received because of this sickness: Say to Him, I thank you God for this sickness, which gave me more time for prayer or repentance and granted me humbleness and broken heart and a feeling of my weakness. I thank you God for this sickness which made me feel the love of people. I thank you because this sickness gave me a period of isolation which I spent in bed – which was necessary to me – at least to search out my soul and be with you.

—H.H. Pope Shenouda III, The Life of Thanksgiving