Wednesday Reflection On Humbleness

 

In this Wednesday’s reflection, we will discuss humbleness. Humbleness brought on by pain, sleepless nights, and reflection on the cross of Christ. An intense shoulder pain began last Friday. I made an appointment with my doctor on Monday. He gave me referrals and a muscle relaxant prescription. Now I wait to see new doctors and get a diagnosis. Hopefully, the pain will be gone by August.

 

The pain is humbling. It made me realize how dependent we are on our comfort zone in all of life. Everyday chores, showering, and even sleep all depend on comfort enough to perform these activities of daily life. The shoulder pain provided me a nearly sleepless weekend. I realized lack of sleep is dangerous. So, Monday morning, I called my doctor and scheduled a referral appointment. I saw him today. He took a history of the pain and prescribed the muscle relaxant to try because he felt it may be tense muscles. It does not work as well as the Salonpas.

 

The pain and loss of sleep gave me plenty of time to think. In bed, tossing and turning to get some sleep, I thought of Christ. I reflected on his crucifixion and all the pain he bore for us. I felt I had no idea how much pain that was. I seemed dwarfed by the pain of the cross. The martyrs suffered greatly, too, in Roman persecutions. The church was born in pain. Yet the martyrs and Christ kept their witnesses and suffered instead of losing faith. I felt renewed strength. I thanked God my suffering has been mild for the most part. I looked forward to Monday and seeking professional help. My faith was strengthened. I was humbled.

 

As humbling as chronic pain can get, it is humbled by the cross. I look at my life differently now. It has been relatively painless. Every one of lives blows no longer towered over my head. The cross put them all in perspective. There was heartache, humiliation, and pain. There was also the grace to get me through. The 23^rd Psalm got me past a lot of anxiety. Do not let a painful moment go to waste. Remember the cross. Thank God your burden is light next to Christ. Be humble. Look for help to get through it.