Monday, October 27, 2014

Healing Balm

I have suffered an attack of hip bursitis, which, as a helpful internet source tells me, occurs mostly in  middle-aged and elderly women. 

Sigh.

Bursitis often erupts following unaccustomed physical exercise. I had begun a brisk walking program, and in a burst of overconfidence chose to do my middle-aged/elderly version of a jog up and down a small hill adjacent to our house.

My right hip now hurts, especially at night. I am biding my time and praying to avoid things like doctor visits and cortisone shots, and if you would pray this with me I would be very grateful.

This morning I made my awkward, grumbling way out of bed and staggered over to the mirror that hangs above the old oak dresser. I'd not slept much, and though I ought to have reached for my Bible, had spent fruitless time worrying about my Alzheimer's mom and the future instead.  I leaned toward the mirror and examined the circles beneath my eyes in close detail, which did not improve my mood. Quoting Gideon, I addressed my reflection:  "If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?" (Judges 6:13).

I now feel silly and melodramatic as I confess how upset I felt over an aching back and my healthy, albeit dementia-impacted, 90-year-old mom.  But there it is; this morning I placed my relatively minor trials on a par with being under siege by Midianites, and I felt I understood Gideon's plaintive question. Why, Lord?  If You are with us why do these things happen?

I wept a little (self-pity, no doubt) and then reached for a tin of Cloverine salve and applied the comforting stuff to my reddened nose. My poor nose is often irritated this time of year with seasonal allergies, and I'm always a little surprised at how much discomfort a stinging, chapped nose can cause. But when I carry my trusty container of Cloverine with me and reapply often, I have no discomfort at all.

At this I felt the little heart nudge that tells me the Lord would like to make a point, although I admit I was a bit hesitant to accept an analogy between the healing balm of Gilead and my humble pot of Cloverine. But the connection is obvious, even to a middle-aged (or elderly) woman who has a hitch in her get along and an Alzheimer's mom: I can receive healing and strength if I will liberally partake of Scripture and reapply as needed.

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.  
--1 Peter 5:7



3 comments:

  1. God's timing is fascinating at times. I had a busy week and my back feels as if it wants to go out. It seems the days are gone when I can be on my feet all week cooking, cleaning and preparing for a family gathering without having some back trouble. I pulled out 'Pain Free' by Pete Egoscue and then looked on You Tube for his videos. I'm interested in his approach. Now if this old brain could just grasp what he is trying to teach. :-) I pray that you find relief soon, Linda!

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  2. I fell & severely sprained my knee but also fell on my hip which hasn't been examined yet. (Cortisone shot/knee but no strength) and I help my 94yr old mom & all I could think of that night was "who will care for mom?" Go back to Dr ne xt week.

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  3. @Anonymous--it is so difficult to be the one and only caregiver; I hope you can find someone who can fill in for you in an emergency and on other occasions just for some respite time. God bless you. @Georgene--thanks so much for your comment and prayers. Hugs to you both, Linda

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