Just when I recover from the latest ache in my body within a few minutes, I get a “Boo, I’m back.”
I’m not quite sure why these aches and pains seem to love my body so much. Why don’t they just get over it and move on to another circus.
The problem is, after I’m through with one ache, the next ache is just a bit more painful. I think the previous ache is just a practice for the next ache.
Getting up from bed the other day, I complained to wife Martha, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, that my body was achy all over.
Looking at me she said, “Maybe you need some body parts replaced.” Then she continued, “I know an antique store I could take you.”
While in my office, the telephone rang, and it was, you guessed it, a call reminding me that my car warranty was about to expire. Of course, I have no such warranty on any of my vehicles. However, it did get me to think about something.
Is my body warranty on the verge of expiring?
I was having a little trouble with my hip, and was tempted to ask her to take me to her favorite antique store. After all, what did I have to lose in that regard?
When I told her, she smiled at me and said, “I don’t think I can. I’m afraid they will want to keep you.”
Talk about a pain in the neck?
I tried several things to deal with my pain. First, of course, is the doctor. Every time he sees me he smiles and greets me very heartily. I used to think he was happy to see me, but then realized he was getting money out of my insurance, Medicare, and whatever else I have with each visit.
Realizing this, I began to understand to all those doctors I’m an ATM. I guess I’m glad that my pain benefits somebody in this world.
Another thing I try to deal with is ignoring my pain. Pretending it doesn’t exist. That doesn’t always work.
When I wake up in the morning, the first thing Martha asks is, “How are your aches and pains today?”
It’s hard to ignore them when somebody is always talking about them.
Then there’s another aspect of this. I am learning that although these aches and pains are a curse, they are also a blessing. I never knew that.
When she asks me to do something I don’t want to do, I start complaining. “Oh, dear, I’d love to, but my shoulder hurts so much. I just can’t do it.”
I might never get used to my aches and pains. But if I can turn them into an advantage, that’ll be a happy day for me.
I then thought of one of my favorite verses in the Bible.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
— James 1: 2-4
A pain sometimes helps me be patient and learn a new lesson of patience in life.
Dr. Snyder is a former pastor who lives with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage, wife Martha, in Ocala, Fla. His email is [email protected].
