The idea that "life" in the Developed World is now almost 100% a "spectator sport" was recently suggested to me. The context was a comparison of "Biblical times"-to-1950 as opposed to NOW.
That is what smartphones have done to the world; turned us into spectators. Arguing with somebody on-line and playing scripted games is now considered "participation".
Compare that with Biblical Paul's trials (2-Corinthians 11:16-33) which are too long to post here. Note to the younger crowd, getting "stoned" back then had nothing to do with getting high on some really bitchin' weed.
"Redemptive Suffering" is not a popular topic anymore, not even in Catholic Churches.
"We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh...So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day." 2 Corinthians 4:8-10,16
This blog-post is an official "Atta-boy!!!" to every reader who is dealing with "issues" and still battling to be a participant. The "Atta-boy!!!" extends all the way to the mobility challenged person recovering from the insults-of-later-life and who can do little more than water an African Violet on the window sill or rearrange the silk flowers in the vase on the table. Every one of you is a hero!
Bonus quote
"Ibuprofen, the breakfast of Champions."
"Ibuprofen - the breakfast of Champions" :^) Lucky you. I take coumadin blood thinner because of an artificial heart valve and any medicines that skew the numbers have to be avoided. I try and keep my aches and groans stated inward.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried a 4% Lidocaine patch. I've found that the roll on are not as much help as the patch. Use when I know that I'm going to be really uncomfortable for an afternoon.
DeleteThe thoughts there cover a lot more ground than the print does. --ken
ReplyDeleteI try to keep in mind the trials and sufferings of the Apostles, and martyrs, and our Lord, and especially combat chaplains. My daily trials and pains are nothing compared to them.
ReplyDeleteBut I still pray for mercy, especially for my husband, who has a myriad of afflictions.
Southern NH
My wife and I provided care for my parents on Tuesdays and Fridays during the last years of their lives.
DeleteDad died first. Then Mom followed about four years later.
Even though Mom was in excruciating pain and could barely walk, I could see that watching Dad's decline was at least as painful for her. He died of dementia and it was hard for all of us to watch his decline...but hardest of all for Mom.
So, I have an inkling of what you are writing about. You are fighting the good-fight.
Thank you for those kind words. Taken one-at-a-time, trials and afflictions would be acceptable. Piled up together, it gets discouraging at times.
DeleteSNH
It is a valid observation, ERJ. Add to that so many spend time "doing things" often in a very shallow or novice way merely to ensure that it can be made into a short movie or picture appropriately.
ReplyDeleteIf you are doing something - anything - for the effort not the ability to "post", you are a hero. Keep on keeping on.
Lately it's been a challenge dealing with day-to-day life as my wife passed away in February. Each day, getting up and doing something, anything is an accomplishment. It isn't going to get "better" but it will become more manageable as time passes. Getting out and seeing people, taking part in the community is vital and I am thankful to have the opportunity to do so.
ReplyDeleteOdd as it may seem - somedays reading a "good" blog entry, such as this one, is also a 'community' help I have and appreciate. Thanks.
Anon 12:09: One step at a time, one day at a time, one thing at a time: as each adds up, you accomplish things that you value. Good on you, for attempting to continue. God bless you!
DeleteI feel for you. Any "advice" I would give would be recycled and inadequate.
DeleteMy gut-feel is that pushing forward is "right". February (at least north of Dixie) sucks; long nights, cloudy, cold. It is also harder to find people to connect with.
Women, at least those of our generation, seemed to deal with the death of their spouse better than men do. They have more practice in building social networks. Men could just rely on "work buddies"...a group that peters out after we retire.
This essay by Patrice Lewis might be interesting: http://www.rural-revolution.com/2025/04/the-significance-of-four-shirts.html
If "it" were to happen to me, I would consider getting a puppy. Not just for the busy-work to keep my mind off of my pain, but because a man walking a puppy is very approachable by nearly every human who matters. It is like hunting for human connection "over a moving bait pile".
Thanks. I am lucky that I already have a cute little dog and even if she is nine years old - she is a great companion and ball of fur that everyone we run into likes.
DeleteLife is only a spectator even for those afraid to live....
ReplyDeleteI’m no longer allowed ibuprofen or any other non steroidal anti inflamaories because of Coumadin and kidney problems. Do the best I can, wash dishes, split kindling sitting on my wheeled walker and also use it to do chicken chores. Have a garden bench for hoop house work. I have been doing stations of the cross Friday evenings For lent. It gives me a reminder that my aches and pains are nothing compared to what Christ endured for us! Gives me something to meditate on when the pain still has me awake at 4AM.
ReplyDeleteYour comment, and some of the earlier comments, inspired the next post.
DeleteThere is a ton of wisdom among you on ways to cope or deal with pain.
Thanks for commenting.
-Joe
This post came at a personally low time. I had my left knee replaced Monday, and, although the pain is sharply down from the worst, I am still hobbling around much of the time. Ice helps, gentle stretches of the affected parts, and prayer.
ReplyDelete