It's a small world after all.

I would consider myself an overall fit and healthy person for my age, yet I’ve definitely struggled with my share of health related setbacks. In the past ten years I’ve battled kidney stones, Bell’s Palsy, whereby the entire right side of my face was paralyzed for nearly six months, a nasty parasitic (Bot Fly) infection in my ankle (thanks Costa Rica!), chronic lower back pain, severe upper abdominal cramping (which to this day has still gone undiagnosed but thank God, has disappeared) and most recently, a large cyst, about the size of a coffee saucer, was discovered on my left kidney. Sprinkle in a few debilitating bouts with the flu, allergies, colds, etc… and, let’s just say, it’s been a hoot! I am certain that some of you can relate and to others this list may sound like child’s play compared to the health related battles you or a loved one has been waging. Regardless, I am convinced there is nothing on earth that can shrink our worlds faster than the loss of our health or the loss of a loved one. 

I’ve lived long enough now to experience real loss as well. If you’ve ever lost a loved one, you’ll understand how bizarre it is; that feeling that the world around you just keeps spinning on with everyone going about their daily business, laughing, smiling, joking around and oblivious to your own pain. It feels like an injustice really. I mean, the whole world, or at least the part that is within close proximity, should at least pause for a moment and empathize with us, right?! But that’s not how it works. The circle of life and death just keeps spinning and time rolls on like a freight train. So, where does that leave us in when we find ourselves in our “small” worlds of either physical or emotional pain or loss? 

I believe there are at least two viable options. I would suggest we need to both “Learn from” and “Lean into” these moments. 

Back in 2008, I remember speaking with the doctor after having my lithotripsy procedure to blast the stones in my kidney and he asked me if I drank a lot of soda. At that time, I wasn’t taking good care of myself. Instead of hydrating with water, I figured it best to dehydrate myself with sodas and coffee. I had been doing this for years and it finally caught up with me. After you’ve experienced the pain of kidney stones, you learn quickly. Guess what? Other than an occasional splash of Ginger Ale, I haven’t touched soda since and as a result, no more kidney stones and a much healthier gut! 

I’ve also learned something about leaning in. When we find ourselves in a posture of “leaning”, we are by nature, off balance and in need of support. As we lean into a particular challenge or struggle, we are in essence, surrendering ourselves to the very nature of that thing, absorbing the substance of it, whether emotionally or physically, and allowing ourselves to “feel” it completely. Further, God has promised to never leave or forsake us in times of trouble and He instructs us to literally drop all of our cares and pain at his feet and lean into Him because He cares for us. I know, sometimes easier said than done, but all times the best remedy in times of trouble. 

If you are currently in the midst of a moment or season of pain, I double-dog dare you to pray this prayer; 

“Dear God, thank you for the life you’ve given me. Thank you that you are in control when my world is out of control. Thank you that you don’t change. You are consistent in love, justice and mercy. I pray that you would forgive me for the ways I’ve allowed my pride or disobedience to create a wedge between us. Please help me to love you better. I pray that you would take my pain. Help me to learn from it and help me to lean into You because I know you care for me. Thank you, Lord.” 
- Amen.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all of your cares on Him, for He cares for you.

Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

Let’s go get it!