For years I’ve always assumed I would be able to do anything I wanted just because I can. As aging well becomes a primary focus and the infamous Uncle Arthur (Arthritis) visits, it’s becoming noticeable that my large hands, broad shoulders, and once strong back do not have the strength to do what was considered normal.
The auto accident of May 2021 took a lot of my strength and threw it away. At the time I felt okay, but shocks to your system tell a different story. I creak and groan more. All the doctor and physical therapy visits could only do so much. The X-ray and MRI tell a story that’s not comfortable. Finally, I’m visiting a knowledgeable chiropractor and seeing some results I thought I’d never see again.
Reality says you may never be what you were when you were younger.
Dreams tell me I can do it only, it’s just going to take a while.
This Tuesday morning, I’m thinking about this on a multitude of levels. It’s not just the framework of my body, but these past few years have shown the trauma of our times is a different story. Physically, we are uniquely different than each other. That goes the same for all facets of our identity. Mentally, spiritually, and general outlook on life.
How Strong Are You
Strength is defined in funny ways. How much can you bench press? I’ve never been interested in ranking my strength in this fashion. This takes brute force, a lot of training, and testing the weight limit. This strength style does little in the nimble moves of other measurements.
Strength is having what is necessary to handle the needs of the moment.
When Russia invaded Ukraine (February 24, 2022), to tell you the truth, I never suspected the results of the day. It’s still unfolding seven months later. With the financial and weaponry support of the world, Ukraine mounted an attitude that said, “We are not giving up or giving in!”
In June 1967, who knew Israel would mount a defense that declared victory in only seven days?
From years to months to days to seconds,
who knew how any of us would react to the personal challenges
we’ve faced since January 2020?
Solomon says to consider the ant. Lest I take it out of context, go ahead and think through the entire chapter [Proverbs 6]. This momentary slice of scripture tells us to consider the ant in light of ourselves.
Go to the ant, you sluggard!
Consider her ways and be wise,
Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler,
Provides her supplies in the summer,
And gathers her food in the harvest.
(Proverbs 6:6-8 NKJV)
This pandemic has shown us many sides of our strengths and weaknesses. Some had the resources to weather the storm financially, but I’m not so sure they’ve mentally overcome it. Have we taken advantage of the times to build up our reserves? Any trip to a grocery store still shows the supply chain crisis that still defines these times.
Perhaps the best way to look at strength is how we respond to challenges, which comes from your perspective. Until you experience the moment, the best you can do is prepare for the future with what you have to handle in the present.
A Proper Sermon In The Moment
I’m always looking for wisdom. Read what others have experienced and watch how they have overcome and persevered. That’s wisdom.
In the book of Matthew, Jesus begins his ministry, it seems, with a sermon that challenges a way of thought and living. It’s often called “The Sermon on the Mount.” I’ve been to the region several times. Perhaps I stood at the top of a hill where Jesus could have spoken. Imagine him sitting on a rock, and the crowd gathers.
Jesus touches most areas of life and focuses differently on the moment. Here we learn about prayer, attitudes, fasting, mental challenges, anger… You get the picture. Jesus covered a lot of turfs.
In a section of the sermon that seems to be subtitled, “Do Not Be Anxious,” we find these words.
“Therefore do not worry, saying,
‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’
For after all these things the Gentiles seek.
For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,
and all these things shall be added to you.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow,
for tomorrow will worry about its own things.
Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
(Matthew 6:31-34 NKJV)
There’s enough trouble to handle today, so don’t worry about tomorrow.
“Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows,
but only empties today of its strength.”
~Charles Spurgeon
Hmmm… Maybe the point is this. We are stronger than we think, especially if we would just quit thinking about it.
Staying Strong As You Age: From years to months to days to seconds, who knows how any of us would react to the personal challenges we've faced since January 2020? Click To Tweet