One Monday morning we started our school day with a kitchen fire. My oldest son is learning to cook. It’s going well.
The day progressed from bad to worse when I was moving some heavy construction panels to our office dumpster. One broke in half in my hands, crushing my left hand into the icky, hard metal of the dumpster’s opening.
I was working alone, so it was a daunting task to lift the heavy item one-handed off my pinned hand. Once I’d freed myself, I took stock of the damage. There was blood from some cuts, and the pain was intense. I couldn’t bend two of my fingers.
I have a high pain tolerance but as I frantically searched my truck for the first aid kit (to no avail), I was surprised by my response to the injury. My heart rate was elevated, my eyes involuntarily watered (ok, I cried a few tears. But I had no control, they just came), and while it was freezing I felt clammy sweat on my palms and forehead.
As I drove to the pharmacy, I tried to calm my nerves and muscle through the hurt with deep breathing.
I’d never been so grateful to see a Walgreens in my life. I bought four first aid kits(one for each of our family vehicles) and every finger splint variety the store offered. As soon as I got in the car I cleaned my scrapes, popped the cool pack, and thanked God for the conveniences of America.
As I drove back to work, I processed the pain. Throughout the past year, my youngest sister has spent her time in and out of doctors’ offices, hospitals, and her bed. Her strength as she battles Crohn’s disease has inspired me countless times, but it certainly affected me that miserable Monday.
My thoughts turned to a beloved friend that is receiving chemo for cancer. Again, I looked down at my mangled hand and processed the pain. These earth suits we walk around in will break. They’ll scar. There will be pain.
What more can I aim for, than to process pain with hope for healing and faith for restoration?
“‘But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the LORD…” — Jeremiah 30:17
Whether you’re in physical pain, struggling with illness, or suffering from anxiety related to either, I’m praying for peace, good health, and healing for you!