I happened onto a new song a few days ago that seems to be tying my whole life together. The book I am reading, the Japanese tsunami, the midnight headaches, an aging father with gratitude for each day’s sunshine. My perspective is changing. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CSVqHcdhXQ, Blessings, by Laura Story)
Volume 2 of my current book series describes the look of a leper. Ugh! Worse--Scary! Ghoulish! Not to mention the abandonment of these forsaken outcasts. Leprosy is uncommon nowadays, but till the advent and understanding of hygiene and modern health standards, it was the most dreaded life condition, regardless of political unrest, weather disaster, or even familial upheaval. Undetected and untreated, leprosy begins as scaly sores that become crusty sites, consuming a victim’s flesh. The disease shrivels and sends ooze from fingers, ears, eye sockets or any other nerve center, killing nerve endings and robbing captives of sensitivity in the affected areas.
The ability to feel pain is not just beneficial from the health standpoint; pain has blessing even for the soul. If I don’t know something is broken, how will I fix it? If I don’t know I am sick, how will I get medical help? If I don’t compare bad days to good, how will I be grateful? How will I gauge what healthy condition, or financial level, to which I should return?
There is more to the lesson than comparison. There is strength in seeking joy! What sunshine is there, in the darkness of my darkest days?!
The author of my book describes the leper camp rejoicing in hope! (oh, really!) They celebrated a child born to a dying mother, gazing raptly on life in its unblemished form! They enjoyed the beauty of a day, and the joy of friendship! They knew lifelong loyalty among those with whom they lived. At great price they learned to value what they may have otherwise never known.
Early this week I had a wonderful experience – and paid a high price. It was worth the sacrifice! My weekend had been too, too busy, and by Monday morning, I needed a day of solitude and rest. Al contraire, I received a 6:30 AM call to sub a challenging class. I accepted it, knowing I needed more strength and wisdom than were in my reserve. I prayed for strength and wisdom, in the shower, on the road, through my breakfast, and as I walked to the room. This school day was the most exciting I have known all year. A teacher remembers why he or she chose to teach when kids engage, when class time becomes more exciting than taunting each other, and when they seem to understand the lesson. I admire the regular teacher of this class because of his amazing patience. This day I envied him. Things were clicking, and they were responding. Regardless what happened tomorrow, this day was a joy.
But at the end of the day, in the middle of the night, I awoke with my neck throbbing, the reminder of my rest-lacking weekend. Grabbing a cold pack from the freezer, and Excedrin from the cabinet, I dozed lightly till dawn. The headache followed me through the next day and even into a second night, but I couldn’t forget the good day at school. Relief was my first choice, but the thrilling day was worth the awful night!
Should I be subject to the least or the greatest of my dreads, I want to always find joy! If the joy can calm me now, perhaps it will “ooze” onto others who are missing refreshing breezes. I’d rather have my problems than yours! Ha! But today I am thankful to be alive!
