Let’s Get Smack Dab in the Middle

Yesterday my doctor told me he wanted to do a cat scan of my brain. This came as no surprise to the family jokers around here, but it isn’t the functions of my strange brain that are concerning the man, y’all. Doc is worried about my recurring ear infections and the possible damage to my hearing if they persist. Seeing the poor man wave his hands in despair after he peeked in my ears and throat and watching him gesture dramatically towards the bright red hazardous waste box to indicate the color he was seeing was enough to get my full cooperation. So, yes, I’ll be making those follow-up appointments his nurse scheduled with the various experts. My ears hurt. I’ll take help wherever I can find it. I’m human that way, aren’t you?

Two shots, four prescriptions, and twenty-fours later, I’m not quite up to Yippy Skippy, but the flesh is getting better and the spirit is mighty thankful. I’m grateful for the wisdom God has given to the medical profession. Heck, I want to hug the whole Family Practice Clinic staff for whatever part they played in yesterday’s visit. But, more than that, I want to invite you to share with me a greater truth.

As humans, if it hurts us directly, we want out. If it’s the suffering of others, we’re tempted to avert our eyes, wondering how we can really make a difference. And yet, God saw misery and pain and devised a way to get right smack in the middle of it through His beloved son and our Savior, Jesus Christ—and we’re called to imitate Him! Here’s what I’m learning. Suffering abounds. We can’t meet everyone’s needs but we can all do something, and the more involved we become in the world around us, we’re that less tempted to flip the channel or avert our gaze. The next time someone asks us to give to alleviate someone’s suffering, instead of thinking of all the others we can’t help, let’s concentrate on those we can. Let’s become those people who see pain and find a way to get in it.

Hugs,
Shellie