On Being Broken

"In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity."

-Albert Einstein

It came from out of nowhere. An unseen object traveling at such velocity that it blindsided me. I had been happily enjoying time with my family, when suddenly, WHAM! Shocked by the pain, I could only stand still in disbelief. It was only a small thing, but when a small piece of myself is injured, sometimes the injury has much larger and longer lasting repercussions. 

I carried on with life as usual. Sure the event continued to pain me a little, but not all the time, so it was really pretty easy to ignore. I went about my daily routines, adjusting only when I felt that little prick of pain-- a fresh reminder that I was not completely whole. It is surprising to me that at times I felt completely fine and at other times I felt a stab of memory at the unexpected event.

It has taken me quite awhile to realize that I am not healing on my own. This injury is too deep; one that can't be fixed with time or homemade remedies. I need the kind of care that only comes from a Physician, a Specialist who knows the body inside and out. One who can search deep into the places that I cannot see and find a solution that will cure the wound.

And so I humbled myself, admitted that I couldn't fix myself this time. Admitted that sometimes (most times) time does not heal all wounds. I sought out the help I needed. And am now on a path to recovery.

Psalm 103

Of David.

1 Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins
    and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
    and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
    so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

I happen to have a broken finger, but as I was thinking about training and injuries and life, I was once again reminded how the physical so resembles the emotional/spiritual.