“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him;… For He does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.” Lamentations 3:25,33
Whether it was a post-Thanksgiving or a pre-Christmas gathering could not be proved. All I knew was that all of my favorite people in the whole world were there… my family. Grandkids were running around playing and my grown-up kids were laughing and talking. It was a sight to behold. Even though I wasn’t laughing much.
I think I know why anyone over 55 is considered a senior. I balked at it and threw the AARP mailing in the trash that birthday. But after the last 10 days, it is apparent… I am a senior! Over-exerting myself in a house project recently, my back and legs are in agony. Though I try to put on a happy face, I am throwing in the towel with the admittance to myself that I am old, tired and sore! I need rest and the application of some wisdom.
Being a curmudgeon, there are some learned lessons that I hold on to and will defend to the death. There is a major belief out there in this world that God causes bad things to happen us. That stupid line of thinking had led me down some really dark paths over the years. That is until experience taught me otherwise. Jesus Christ did not save me to beat me down. And I will get in your face if you insist my Heavenly Father is a sadist! I have my life to prove it!
Growing up is a painful experience. Colds, flu, infection, bruises, sorrow, loss, injustice, heartache and heartbreak are just a few of life’s blows. I have LEARNED that they do NOT come from God. But from just plain living on this fallen Earth. And none of us are immune. But I speak for myself when I remind me of this home remedy.
When going threw a tough spots, it helps to remind myself that Rest, Time and Trust are my best friends. There is nothing wrong with stopping for a REST… even though it means I have to say ‘no’ to some important things and to some important people. I have to give myself the TIME necessary for restoration… and I need to TRUST that God knows all about my condition and is with me every step of the way… REGARDLESS of the outcome.
I owe my family an apology if I seemed cranky or irritable this weekend. But they know me well, love me, and forgive my occasional ‘senior moments.’ Because that is what families do… whether family by blood or spirit! “I” have to learn to be kind to myself and allow rest, time and trust to work their healing touch.
Omne trinum perfectum is Latin for ‘every perfect thing is threefold.’ And just like my Triune God, these three, rest, time and trust, are a perfect remedy for difficulty. What are YOU curmudgeonly about?
