ache
The ache was becoming more and more intense. Turning from side to side and then on the back offered only momentary relief. It seemed useless to stay in bed any longer since the pain in the lumbar was not relenting and no place was offering a respite. This experience seems to be arising as the norm. Thoughts run rampantly to a place that questions what I might have done that caused this now common occurrence. PD, age, a lumbar cyst or any other number of things may be behind the throb, but nothing that I can recall doing shows me a direct link. In the Gospel of John, chapter 9, the disciples ask Jesus as they happen by a blind man Jesus will soon heal whether the man or his parents have sinned, causing the blindness. Jesus surprised them with His response; “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” Gratitude fills my heart that opportunities exist to emerge from the bed and “walk off” the discomfort. Thankfulness that grace is sufficient to free me from the throws of self-deceptive belief (and action) that I can always have it my way permeates my thoughts. The pain may not completely go away but the burden of self-reliance and determination, when surrendered, leads to a “heart” healing that is the victory. Gratitude outweighs the pain and lifts the heart to a higher place when touching that place of surrender!
The warmth and humidity engulf us as we sit under the canopy covered deck. Without the slightest movement perspiration emerges from the glands to cool this resting body. A wipe away or a decline in temperature will restore the comfort that once was a cooler clime. In much the same way the persistent pain that has emerged over the last twenty four hours seems to have engulfed my presence. The throbbing ache emerging from the lumbar region seems to be a persistent but unwelcome squatter who reminds me with every step that he demands attention. Exercise and stretching have had little effect in deterring this annoying intruder. Just as life must move forward in the presence of the humid air, so this one, for now, must move forward even in the presence of the painful visitor. In the midst of the emerging irrational anger comes the reminder that “this too shall pass.” This impatient life traveler gives thanks for the memory that these periods of near debilitating aches give way to freedom of movement without the nasty intruder. Gratitude is both the gift and the giver for therein lies a pathway to new horizons!