I mentioned last night the problems I’m having with pain from what I suspect is carpal tunnel. It’s given cause for reflection on those I know and love, be it as friend or family, who suffer from far, far more severe chronic pain. The kind that doesn’t hold the promise of leaving once treated with medicine or surgery.
These people have a common thread running through their lives: a strong faith in Christ. They’re genuine, gentle, good, loving folk. There is neither self-pity nor a cry for attention and sympathy in their persona. Instead, while not denying the moments of crying out for relief and release, they carry on in the knowledge this too shall pass, drawing ever close to the Man of Sorrows acquainted with grief.
Given how were I in their situation I’m quite certain I’d be vacillating between industrial strength self-pity and screaming for morphine, it is a humbling experience to see these people living out their faith. Not that they are any less stubbornly human than the rest of us. However, they are the embodiment of a mystery the world cannot fathom: the very pain and suffering they endure brings them closer to the One Who will one day heal the pain. But not today. Yet they wait, secure in the knowledge that day will come.
We are all well advised to remember our pain is legitimate. That noted, we seldom need look far for those in much more intense pain. We, like they, must look past this, embracing the good things and feeling no shame as we bury our heads in the folds of Jesus’ robe and cry even as He knowingly comforts us.
