The title of a really bad 1980s book. But that’s not what I’m talking about.
Today the pain was nearly unbearable. And joy comes from focusing on others. Showing compassion to others no matter your current circumstances.
Those are difficult to reconcile. Physical pain is much like hunger. When Jesus talked about encountering a hungry person he said not to pray for them, but to feed them. Was he acknowledging that a physical need was greater than a spiritual one?
I understand that joy (I would define it as living a whole life) comes from giving your life away. Showing interest in others. Learning how to ask questions of others. Having compassion. Sacrificing time and money for others. I agree. That’s a full life.
How does that happen in the midst of suffering? A friend I know has cancer and not much longer to live. The family around them is suffering. Is physical suffering more immediate or in need of attention than mental/emotional suffering?
I am beginning to believe that suffering is a blessing.
I went to Ethiopia a few years ago for a high school camp with AJ and Mandy. When asked if any of the Ethiopian kids would like to live in the U.S. they all declined. They pitied us. Too many “comforts” they would say. Too many comforts that would distract them from God.
So suffering is a blessing because it’s a constant reminder of my need of God? I do think that’s the point. And I believe Jesus knew that spiritual needs cannot be met if physical needs are not met.
So as the pain increases as I lay down, do I “feel” blessed? I do not. But that doesn’t change the potential truth that I, in fact, am blessed.
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