Sickness is sobering, isn’t it? I think this for a few reasons, and before I begin, I want you to know that I’m getting philosophical and NOT looking for sympathy. This go around has just made me think a little bit. When you’re sick enough that you need to stay laid up in bed just to feel an ounce of your humanity, it shakes you a little bit. It reminds me that I’m just not quite invincible as I still think I am.
Do you guys know what I’m talking about? Maybe the ladies don’t deal with this as much as the guys do, but I can remember a time (errr…. including right now:)) where I knew I couldn’t be beat. I don’t just mean in the sports or academic sense, but more along the lines of health and success. I can remember doing ridiculous things like burnouts in my truck, jumping off roofs, swimming upstream at Charrette Creek during flood stage (incidentally finding myself frighteningly near to the Missouri river, and having BB gun fights at dangerously close ranges. Mom & Dad if you didn’t know half of these things, just pretend like they never happened.
For a while I felt like nothing could ever get to me, effect me, and I would probably be the first human since Methueselah to pass the 969 year mark. It sounds silly, I know, but without actually saying so I believe I didn’t quite grasp my own mortality. On top of that, I don’t think I believed I needed any more help from anyone in my life other than ME. This is where I begin to find comfort from somewhere outside of my own strength. I’m weak. I’m sick. I need help. I need income. I need security.
But that’s me. And the fortunate thing about life on this earth is that no matter how alone or desperate we feel, we weren’t meant to live it alone. We weren’t meant to live alone and away from other people without community, and we weren’t intended to live on our own to struggle for existence. This is where I sound cheezey. And I always despise this part of heartfelt stories or devotionals, but right now, in my mortality, I can’t avoid it.
It’s God.
It’s here that I love that our Bible has an old and new testament. Because while new life is found in the new testament, the old testament holds truths and evidence of God continually chasing after and loving his people. Desperately trying to draw them back to Him. It’s there that Isaiah 40:29 makes me smile…
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”
Humility is a valuable lesson in my whole realm of thought as well. I’m fairly certain Jesus was talking to me when he said this…
“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
Okay, Lord. I’m sorry for taking credit for my awesomeness (tongue-in-cheek). I’m ready to give you glory for anything and everything that I accomplish in this life. I’m sorry for looking for the spotlight. I’m sorry for trying to steal your glory. And I’m sorry for pretending to be INVINCIBLE.
Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
ladysherry
September 20, 2009
i like your post.. just before the bible thing. no offense :)
we never meant to live individually in the community. we’re the social living creature that’s why we need others. to support our failures. to embrace our glories.
keep on shining :)
Grammy
September 24, 2009
Hi Eric and all.
I sure miss not seeing you and I am sorry you are feeling under the weather. I have some good news for you. The Nerologist said I do not have MS. I do have some problems with my nerves and muscles in my back. This may lead to have to having back surgery but it is NOT MS. I really liked yuor post it really makes one look at things in another view. It did me. Thank you for all of your prayers and hope to see you soon(hint,hint)
Love, Grammy