Pain: An Unintended Blessing
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. ”
When I was 21 years old, I had my spine fused in two places and had hip surgery. Since that time, I have had to endure chronic pain. It has had its obvious, negative side-effects. But like most pain, it has come with unintended blessings. As a pastor, I’ve been more sympathetic in my care for those suffering than I might have been otherwise. I’ve appreciated time differently. Every moment I experience little pain, I rejoice. When I am struggling with more severe pain, I know it will not be for an indefinite time. I know how to rest, stretch, and renew my body and mind.
Another unintended consequence of pain is the recognition that we are not in control of life’s situations. Pain reminds us that without a higher power, life is nihilistic. Science and medicine can mask the pain, but it will not take it away. Even if it could, I am glad that it doesn’t. The unintended blessings have been too meaningful. Through chronic pain, I’ve realized that God has provided wisdom, strength, and compassion. Jesus knew pain in many different ways throughout his short life. He taught us how to receive wisdom, strength, and compassion through pain.
One of the learnings I have experienced is that pain needs to be treated in a holistic manner. I never just have back pain. Back pain tightens my muscles until they seize up. The seizing muscles pinch nerves that run down the outside of my legs, and up to the neck. After a day or two, the seizing pain affects my attitude and disposition. The physical and the emotional are bound together as one.
When you think about your own pain, be it physical or emotional, consider how it radiates. Your neck pain may have originated with an emotional or spiritual struggle in your life. Pain is a communicator. It tells us the story of tension and dis-ease of mind, body, and spirit. Rather than simply masking the pain, embrace it by listening to it and evaluating it. As you do so, unintended blessings will come to mind. Embrace them. God speaks through the pain, giving you wisdom, strength, and compassion. I would rather not have these unintended blessings, but they are my lot and the lot of many of you as well. May each of us make the most of our pain, and may it be an unintended blessing.
