Endurance

These have been some rather challenging days with my back.  The days can get rather long, and the nights even longer, trying to find a position that produces minimum pain.  As I was reading the book of James, I felt like James was directing his comments directly at me:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”  (James 1:2-3)

I had to stop and think about that for a bit and realize that is an interesting parallel… faith and endurance.  It didn’t minimize the pain but it did encourage me to press on, hopefully with joy, reminded that this discomfort actually can be of benefit…If I allow it to accomplish that purpose.

It was two weeks ago yesterday that I hurt my back so I would like the pain to be past, but that is not the case.  As the doctor had warned, it is taking more time.  While there are moments that it seems that I cannot endure any longer, I do believe that there is a bit of improvement.  So I am trying to focus on that light at the end of the tunnel and trust that my endurance will grow.

Fortunately I am able to spend a bit of time at the office each day and stay on top of the urgent issues.  But I have to admit that I have to let a few things, especially at home, slip.  Hopefully I can catch up in the near future.  As you can guess, I am making no progress in sorting and packing for the move.  Hopefully that will come in time.

I trust that you have each had a blessed week and will enjoy a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

Chuck