Anyway, I figured that since this is a milestone, kind of a special post, what better way to celebrate that than by sharing a post from a good friend of mine! Thanks Jarred. :)
Inspiration through a conversation with my friend Andy and
an x-ray.
I was at my chiropractor’s office today to get an x-ray of
my hips. The idea was to see the condition of the hip sockets, especially the
right one. Basically there is cartilage which separates the head of the femur
and the socket. This allows for functional movement of the head without rubbing
the interior bone. The problem presented in arthritis is that cartilage
deteriorates and when that happens, the bones begin to touch and grind.
He looked at the x-ray and smirked at me when I pressed him
for his opinion and said, “basically it’s the hip of a 65 or 70 year old.”
(He’s been right there with me since the beginning of my health condition, and
we are friends, hence the informality.) He went on to inform me that it could
be worse, since there still is some cartilage present. And, the cool thing is
that there are so many advancing techniques and methods of improving problems
such as this. For instance he continued, Payton Manning flew over into Europe for
a therapy which is currently not approved for use in the US. This therapy seeks
to stimulate the growth of new cells, which could allow doctors to replenish
lost cartilage. Though unsuccessful for him at this point, the work is out
there.. Quite impressive and hopeful for anyone suffering from a debilitating
problem.
Later on in the day as I pondered our conversation and my
current situation, I had to enjoy the moment. I was walking out of Dominicks
back to the car when I introduced a gloomy thought to myself, something to the
effect of how horrible life is since I can’t do something simple like just
start running. (Being an impact type of movement, it would cause undue force on
the problem area.) As my strong arms lifted and lowered my body down into the
driver’s seat, I began to smile. How stupid is it to look at a group of
activities that I would love to do and get down in the dumps over it, when I
have such a host of undeniable blessings? I mean for crying out loud, five
years ago at this time, my right leg was 100% incapacitated. I couldn’t move it
for fear of excruciating pain. I had to sleep in a recliner that friends from
church loaned us. My mom had to tuck me in each night, complete with
strategically placing pillows under knees and lower legs and covering me up
with a blanket. I can remember a time when I could barely maneuver with my
crutches from my recliner across the room, past the kitchen table to the
bathroom, or having to sit on a stool in the shower. Now contrast that to me
walking out of the store, all by myself, confidently moving across the parking
lot to the car which I drove, hop in, turn up the radio loud, and drive into
the setting sun. How incredibly blessed I am! I can feel and think. I can see
that beautiful sunset. I can hear the music which I so adore. My awesome foot
that doesn’t swell anymore can perfectly slap the gas pedal.
But that isn’t what I started out to say.. Back to the fact
that I have a 70 year old’s hip. It struck me that that means I have the
experiences of a 70 year old. I can think and feel like a 70 year old, somebody
who knows what it feels like to have enjoyed tough sports in years past, those
long bike rides through the woods or the 6 hours spent playing volleyball with
friends. But at the same instant, someone who knows what it feels like to have
incapability, not because of a lack of practice, but because of years of
physical turmoil and consequent damage.
But I’m not an old man, I have the heart and desires of a 23
year old man. So somewhere in that weird mix, I believe a huge blessing is
hiding. A blessing called perspective, or perhaps insight. I am so like my
peers, and yet I have both limitations and perspectives which make me so
different. Sometimes I catch glimpses of the opportunity for a beautiful
future. Other times I cry and hurt because of the past and present. But in all,
I strive to live. I truly believe God has given me the gift of unending desire
for life- survival. And I sincerely hope that some day the purpose for this
will be before me and that perhaps I will have the opportunity to use those
perspectives and insights in such a way to bring satisfaction to my life and
glory to my Father. I think there are two things which give me the hope that I
contain: my blessing of survival and the anticipation of God’s planned out
future for me.
The ties that bind us to life are tougher than you imagine,
or than anyone can who has not felt how roughly they may be pulled without
breaking. You might be miserable without
a home, but even you could live; and not so miserably as you suppose. The human heart is like india-rubber; a
little swells it, but a great deal will not burst it. –Anne Bronte
Should I shrink from the work that God had set before me,
because it was not fitted to my taste? Did not He know best what I should do,
and where I ought to labour?—and should I long to quit His service before I had
finished my task, and expect to enter into His rest without having laboured to
earn it? No; by His help I will arise and address myself diligently to my
appointed duty. If happiness in this world is not for me, I will endeavour to
promote the welfare of those around me, and my reward shall be hereafter. -Anne
Bronte
Cast down into the darkness
and even if you crush my body
~ Jarred Schaufel
~ Jarred Schaufel
Beautiful perspective! Thanks for this post.
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