The lessons that hurt the most are the ones we learn the most from.

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I'm wounded again, in a way that could only happen to me.  A lawnmower pull rope tried to amputate my left thumb this morning.

The aftermath left me with several good things to share with you.

One:  When it feels like God is the furthest away, it's actually when he's the closest.

Two:  If you keep things bottled up inside, eventually they'll explode.  I had some sins to ask forgiveness for, to include using language I haven't used in almost a year.  Yes, it hurt that bad.

Three:  My mother-in-law is very wise.  We had some long chats today and I think she understands me a little better.  I understand her a lot better and she taught me something today.

Four:  God has a plan and when you're not paying attention, He finds a way to get your attention.  Did God cause the lawnmower to malfunction?  Probably not.  Did He use this event for His purpose.  Absolutely.

The skin will eventually grow back and maybe in a couple of days the swelling and bruising will go down.  I should have it x-rayed.  I'm pretty sure it's broken.  But there's not much they could do for it anyhow except put it in a cast.  Hill would put me on light duty.  When I was in the Guard, I just had to suck it up.  So suck it up, I will.  I'm tougher than a broken finger.

Five:  When we want help or love the least, that's when we need it the most.  I probably needed some help this morning and all I wanted was to be left alone.  That was the stuff talking, not the pain, just the stuff bottled up inside.  Pity party is officially over!

Last, and more important.  God still does talk to us.  He had some wise words for me and I'm listening.

He has my undivided attention.

Comments

  1. Dale CooperJuly 10, 2011 at 8:02 AM

    From Pastor Karl, via e-mail:

    Eugene Peterson in his book LEAP OVER A WALL puts it a like this: …entering into a life of faith, living a Davidic life, following Jesus, centering our life in the worship of God doesn’t exempt us from suffering. Christians get cancer in the same proportion as non-Christians. Believers are involved in as many automobile accidents as nonbelievers. When you hit your thumb with a hammer, {or a lawnmower cord} it hurts just as much after you’ve accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior as it did before.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dale CooperJuly 10, 2011 at 8:03 AM

    And my answer is, yes, yes it does.

    Like I said when I wrote the post, did God cause the accident? Probably not, but as in all things, He can find a way to make the most of the situation!

    God is Good! I re-read 1 Peter and part of 2 Peter tonight. His Word is true and a comfort even in crazy times. I wanna reiterate that I don't blame God for my trials. I blame me, but what good would faith be if everything was easy?

    BTW, I posted these comments on the wrong blog post. Sorry for the mistake.

    ReplyDelete

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