Pain

Straight AheadMy left shoulder hurts this morning. I think I must have done something to it in the past couple of days. I certainly don't expect the pain to be permanent or debilitating. I'll probably take a couple of Tylenol, and in the next few days, the problem will probably straighten out, and I'll be fine. For some reason, however, this made me think of people who are always in some kind of pain--perhaps because I am getting older, and there is always the possibility that any pain is the beginning of arthritis or some condition that requires more than passing consideration. Of course, I already have a permanent condition that is more than an inconvenience in that I am totally blind. My blindness, however, doesn't hurt. What about people who suffer chronic pain? They are actually restricted in what they can do; and this restriction is something with which they have not had to cope all their lives, unlike me with my blindness. Pain forces us to adjust the way we do things. I have always marveled at the attitude of some people I've known who suffered chronic arthritis or other debilitating conditions. Lydia has arthritis, and her knee bothers her quite a bit sometimes. She is usually able to reduce or eliminate the pain with Tylenol. She has a prescription pain medication available to her, but she rarely has to take it. Some people are unable to reduce or manage their pain very much at all. How do they cope? It just reminds me that our attitude plays such an important part in how we cope with life--whether we're talking about physical pain or emotional pain, disappointment and loss, or any aspect of the human condition. And to the person who is a convinced and serious Christian, the challenges of dealing with any kind of adversity can be met with so much more confidence than for the person whose spiritual commitments are vague or nonexistent. That does not mean that Christians always deal with pain or any other adversity in a gracious, cheerful spirit; but at least, the possibility for the Christian to meet adversity in a positive spirit is always there. The Christian understanding of life gives us a hope and confidence that is simply not possible for the non-believer. From the human standpoint, I cannot imagine having to deal with intense physical pain on a daily basis; and I hope I never have to do it. I don't know how some people with whom I come into contact live with their physical ailments, pains, and afflictions with such determination and good cheer. I do know, however, that having a grasp on your Christian faith surely does improve the opportunity to overcome the pain and live life from a different perspective. Now, maybe it's time for me to go get that Tylenol for my shoulder.