A Question of Pain

A Question of Pain

I was thinking today..(a dangerous prospect at best). And I thought about how confusing a venue this life can be. We start out basically without a clue and sort of have to figure things out as we go along.

One thing I've learned though..is to never underestimate another person's pain. Pain is relative, and just because someone seems to "Have it made" does not mean that beneath their calm exterior they are not a quavering mess. The old adage that says "don't judge an Indian till you walk a mile in his moccasins" is true. You can never be to sure what is really going on in someone's life or just how they got from there to here. Some people might be "blown away" by certain problems while others trod stoically along little bothered by what seemed so terrible to his friend.

I am a student of human nature and I never cease to be amazed at the folk I see around me. Some people are like children, bouncing from one adventure to another, leaving cares and tears behind. Baggage is left lying on the ground with little thought of yesterday. While there are others who jealously hoard every insult, every heartache, every tear and drag it with them carefully guarded from the cradle to the grave.

One should be mindful when dealing with these types of people, the former hasn't learned from their mistakes and could prove careless and thoughtless. These people are difficult to work with and come across as either selfish or airheads. The ladder is already damaged, and you will need to keep this in mind.

I am thankful there is middle ground, a place for which we should all strive. In whichever camp you subscribe to it is possible to either claim out of the muck or down from the mountain to a place of reason where clearer heads reside.

We must remember that pain serves a purpose. As much as we'd like to do away with it, pain is a necessary part of what we need to survive and grow. I spent some time in a wheelchair, unable to even use my hands to turn the wheels to make it grow. The physical therapy was very painful but with a lot of work over a period of time I found myself once again able to walk on my own two feet. If I had refused the therapy because of the pain I would have remained a cripple for the rest of my life. Pain is a tool God sometimes uses to mold us into more who He wants us to be. Where would you be without your pain? Who would you be without your pain? Would you know compassion? Would you know trust? We learn so much more in the dark places than me do when times are good. God doesn't waste our pain, I don't believe he causes it either, Yet He allows it sometimes when it serves His good purpose.We all must spend time in the valley but we should not forget those places or the things we learned there. Neither should we dredge them up in the dark of night to wet our pillow with our tears or parade them out to anyone who will listen.

Sometimes our business might be private, the just "between you and me" type thing. After a while our broken hearts get to be like that, just between us and God. Worse than any physical pain is the pain of the heart. When those we love and trust fail us and bitter words and actions tear at our very souls. The hurt and humiliation we suffer sometimes in the house of our friends can feel greater than we are prepared to bear. But God requires that we forgive those who hurt us. It is a hard thing but He requires it as he says in Matthew 6:15 "But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins". That's pretty plain and easy to understand. If we have any residential feelings (forgiveness is not always an easy matter) we must take it up with God. I have an agreement with him that he will help me be a better person and help me forgive people who hurt me. (Not an easy or natural thing for me so I need his help). God asks hard things sometimes, (like the forgiving part) that's why I have had to ask for help. This is a progressive work and may take a little time. Ask Him,He will help you.

We see in Psalms that " The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit". Psalm 34:18 Well it's getting late and I am sleepy, I just wanted to remind you that we can't always tell what sort of pain people are carrying..so it's good to be patient, and speak kindly even if you don't feel like it. Don't think you understand another's burdens, you may not..God will reward you for your effort and you might just comfort someone and make a friend, Life gets hard sometimes but we are always learning and God's never as far away as He seems "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you". 1 Peter 5:7.

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