On Midnight Tinnitus

Last night I noticed a ringing in my left ear. Could be a new room, could be sinuses, could be all in my head.

Could be the first steps towards not hearing music, my wife's voice, the sound of wind.

Unsurprisingly and irrationally terrified. Idle thoughts of treatments, hearing aids, how long should I wait, how will this affect my favorite hobbies, can I craft an equalizer to compensate…

It's only been an hour.

O Lord. Forgive me for idolizing my earthly body. You have created so many lovely things to enjoy, but they will not satisfy because they are not you. Help me not to fear decay and age because everything I lose here I gain in Heaven. Help me to preach the last two sentences to my wavering heart every time I hear that ring. In Jesus' name, amen.