Thankful for the Pain

It seems silly to say, thank you for the pain, but pain is actually a gift.

August 19

I have been meaning to call my girlfriend to get the number for her chiropractor. Unfortunately, I think about it at the most inconvenient times, like driving the car, heading to bed, or any other time I can’t call. Then there have been the days I will say, “Oh, I’ll call tomorrow.” and then I forget again. With the pain of yesterday’s migraine, I called. I need a chiropractor that understands both the skeletal and the muscular issues happening in my neck. I also don’t want to be put on a plan that will cost thousands of dollars. I need this to be effective and affordable. From everything she has told me, this man is all that. I have avoided getting care because of the financial commitment. I don't want to add undue stress to my husband. I have avoided care because of the time commitment to go on the appointments. I have avoided care because I want to pretend it isn’t that bad and maybe it will get better with a little stretching, a little massaging, and just the right pillow. I just want it to go away. I don't really want to deal with it. I want God to just make it all better so I can get on with my life. The same thing happens in my spiritual life sometimes. I don't want to look at the messy uncomfortable stuff. I just want God to make things better. That is not how God works. He wants us to be well, but we need to be part of the healing not just a passive recipient. The truth is, I know if I don’t do something, my migraines are just going to get worse. I know if I don’t take care of this, I will probably develop issues beyond migraines. The same is true for the rest of my life. If I don't face the things that cause me pain, I will never find healing and freedom. So today, I am thankful for the pain, because it made me call. I stopped procrastinating and now I have an appointment. I am facing the problem and soon I will be on the road to healing.