Sometimes I get frustrated with the rate of physical progress I seem to be
making in recovering from my long ordeal.
I can visualize myself doing all the simple things I used to do: getting up from my chair and walking
downstairs without getting winded, enjoying a meal without becoming exhausted,
or hopping in the car and driving myself to Home Depot to get something for a
fix-it job. My mind says, “You can do
it,” but my body says, “Whoa! You’re not
there yet!”
Maybe I will still get there, but some days when I’m taking a walk, I look back and think, “I was doing this well a month or two ago.” It’s often a fine line between over exerting myself and slacking off to avoid a little discomfort. I’ve learned that both can result in setbacks and that having the right mental attitude is crucial to maintaining the right balance.
Maybe I will still get there, but some days when I’m taking a walk, I look back and think, “I was doing this well a month or two ago.” It’s often a fine line between over exerting myself and slacking off to avoid a little discomfort. I’ve learned that both can result in setbacks and that having the right mental attitude is crucial to maintaining the right balance.
On the one hand
if I am driven to push much beyond what I’ve learned to be my new limits, I
will pay for it with several days, or more, of total exhaustion. On the other hand, if I fail to maintain a
regular regimen, I will lose conditioning and strength. So what then is the mental attitude that
helps me maintain balance?
I call it contentment…not a fatalistic (“whatever…”) resignation that I’m never going to be back to normal, but an acceptance of my present state with the expectation that my condition will continue to improve as I do my part. And even if it doesn’t, to be thankful for the huge progress that I have already been blessed to experience. Well, now, that’s easier said than done, and I’m obviously not there a hundred percent. I need steady help and strength from beyond myself.
In Philippians 4:11 the Apostle Paul wrote that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstance he was facing. That’s an amazing statement when you consider that at the time he was chained to a guard in a dark, gloomy prison cell awaiting trial for his life. If anyone had a right to be depressed, it was Paul. Clearly, contentment had little to do with his surroundings, personal comfort or hope of being released. What, then, was his secret?
For Paul the reason for his contentment was simple. It was all because of his relationship to Jesus Christ. Listen to these statements, “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain;” “having the desire to depart and be with Christ…yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake;” “I have learned the secret to being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him [Jesus Christ] who strengthens me.” (Phil. 1:21, 23b, 24; 4:12b-13)
As for me, my path to contentment began over 50 years ago as I faced a major life-changing crisis. Before then my faith had never been deeply tested. The Lord reminded me that His Word promised that He would work in every circumstance for the good of those who really love Him (Romans 8:28).
This Scripture verse was like a double edged sword to me. How could I claim to love Him if I did not trust Him to keep the promise of this verse? The argument was powerful and convincing and, thankfully, jolted me to say in my heart, “OK, Lord, I believe You. Thank You for this wonderful promise.”
For the reader, your path to contentment may have been different. But ultimately, I believe, it boils down to one word, trust, and to the object of that trust, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. If you’re still on the path, may I strongly urge you to place your trust in Him who is able to give you the peace that passes all understanding and a secure place in eternity.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. – Psalm 23:1
I call it contentment…not a fatalistic (“whatever…”) resignation that I’m never going to be back to normal, but an acceptance of my present state with the expectation that my condition will continue to improve as I do my part. And even if it doesn’t, to be thankful for the huge progress that I have already been blessed to experience. Well, now, that’s easier said than done, and I’m obviously not there a hundred percent. I need steady help and strength from beyond myself.
In Philippians 4:11 the Apostle Paul wrote that he had learned to be content in whatever circumstance he was facing. That’s an amazing statement when you consider that at the time he was chained to a guard in a dark, gloomy prison cell awaiting trial for his life. If anyone had a right to be depressed, it was Paul. Clearly, contentment had little to do with his surroundings, personal comfort or hope of being released. What, then, was his secret?
For Paul the reason for his contentment was simple. It was all because of his relationship to Jesus Christ. Listen to these statements, “To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain;” “having the desire to depart and be with Christ…yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake;” “I have learned the secret to being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him [Jesus Christ] who strengthens me.” (Phil. 1:21, 23b, 24; 4:12b-13)
As for me, my path to contentment began over 50 years ago as I faced a major life-changing crisis. Before then my faith had never been deeply tested. The Lord reminded me that His Word promised that He would work in every circumstance for the good of those who really love Him (Romans 8:28).
This Scripture verse was like a double edged sword to me. How could I claim to love Him if I did not trust Him to keep the promise of this verse? The argument was powerful and convincing and, thankfully, jolted me to say in my heart, “OK, Lord, I believe You. Thank You for this wonderful promise.”
For the reader, your path to contentment may have been different. But ultimately, I believe, it boils down to one word, trust, and to the object of that trust, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. If you’re still on the path, may I strongly urge you to place your trust in Him who is able to give you the peace that passes all understanding and a secure place in eternity.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. – Psalm 23:1
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