PAIN AS A TEACHER
Even as I was falling, a thought flashed through my mind,
“This is stupid! How could I have been
so clumsy as to miss that angled step?”
My fall consisted of tumbling down a partial flight of stairs and
landing on my shoulder and rib cage. I
knew I was hurt but my first rational thought was, “How can we continue our
trip unless I am able to drive the truck towing our fifth-wheel trailer?” A silent prayer followed this, “Please Lord,
do not let my injuries be incapacitating!”
I reflected on the many instances of immediate healing
recorded in the Gospels but that didn’t prove to be my lot. However, an essential element in my faith is
the concept that events often happen in our lives that are designed to help us
learn necessary truths. After my wife
wrapped my chest area with an Ace bandage for support, we were able to continue
our trip even though the pain continued.
While recovering from my injured, I pondered as to what
lesson could be gleaned from my accident.
So far I have identified the following:
1. To
better appreciate my usual daily
pain-free existence. I had taken being
pain-free more or less for granted and tended to avoid people who complained of
their aches and pains. 2. I have gained a greater appreciation of how
injuries or other ailments make even the seemingly simplest tasks difficult. 3. I
was forced to depend on other people to assist me with some everyday tasks, this was difficult for me as I was a very independent
person and frequently would reject help.
4. Further, I realized that in a
blink of an eye, my physical state could be altered and I could become less
able to cope with everyday events I had previously taken for granted.
So my injury was not without benefits and I have
learned to better appreciate my good health and well-being and to be more
sympathetic and helpful to those who have physical limitations. Perhaps, the major learning has been in
increasing my patience, not only with the healing process but
also with others who have physical limitations.
Thank You Lord for these important lessons. Amen