Skip to main content

A Life Marathon (IV)-- The Pain

The pain began on mile 4.  I had to run 22 more grueling miles with this aggravating pain.  The first 3 miles were great -- the unyielding enthusiasm from all of the fans, the vigor of the runners, the electric atmosphere.  It was all there. And then came...that pain.  It was at the top of my right ankle.  I had never felt it before; not even sure where it came from.  My running partner cramped continuously throughout the race.  Pain.  As I had to stop and start, the pain from my ankle became progressively worse, so much so that it was more painful to start running again than the actual run. 

Pain.

Pain is everywhere.  If you talk with anyone for a bit of time, you can hear the joys and pains of their life.  My friend suffered a brain aneurysm.  Another colleague was in an unhealthy marriage.  Once to have it all only to lose everything and begin all over again...pain. To see your daughter on a great track to have a successful life only to have a major life setback while you watch...pain.  Losing your job, your spouse, children, or best friend...pain.

We have all suffered in some way in our life.  It can be short or last for years.  And we all handle it in other ways. My ankle tortured me just about the entire race, but I completely forgot about it when I crossed the finish line. 

What's the point -- pain will come, and pain can stay, but all pain stops.  There is no pain that lasts always.  Also, there is a lesson in it.  No one enjoys it, or at least they shouldn't.  Euripedes said, "Do not consider painful what is good for you."  The Bible says, "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees." -- Hebrews 12:10-12

I had to run a twenty mile route while training for the race.  That was the hardest run I had ever done.  I felt sick, dehydrated, and consistently thought about all the miles I still had to run..  So I adjusted my thinking, considered what I learned, and changed my run.  I drank often during the race, ran with someone, and had the end in sight.  And I completely forgot about the pain when I crossed the finish line in a time of...well, don't you worry your little head over that!

Don't ignore the lessons that come through these hard times.  They make us better.  I'd love to hear from you.  I have NOS...

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Before you go, I have to tell you this...

My wife and oldest son had been feverishly preparing for this for over two years. A sojourn to Egypt is what monopolized the attention of this house for about the past week. We've been packing, buying last minute items, and anticipating an almost 24-hour travel. As my wife was packing at the gorgeous time of 4:15 am, I was writing some thoughts to my son. I was giving him advice-technical, moral, physical, and spiritual advice. Even while cutting his hair last night, I was advising him. At the end of the letter, I gave him my blessing. I wrote a letter to Paula as well. And just like the one to my son, I gave her the same type of advice, just more seasoned for her needs. And at the end of the letter, I gave her my blessing. I packed the letters away in their suitcases. They won't see them until they reach their hotel in Egypt. I learned and was reminded of a couple of things from their upcoming experience. First, perseverance has its rewards. They stuck this program out fo

Running with the pack

53:45 unofficial.  That was my time for the Veterans Day 10K race I ran.  53:45 unofficial.  My goal was to knock off some minutes from my 10K last year.  I knocked off about 5 minutes; I am happy about that.  Yet my time was 53:45 unofficial. I had a very good pace starting out.  I actually changed my running style some months ago to conserve a bit of energy.  It worked.  But during the race, I stopped...three times to be exact.  Once for water, the second time I am clueless about, and the third was because I really was tired (next time, I will stay off the late night movies and donuts before race day!)  But that was not my lesson.  My lesson was that I needed to stay in a pack, run with other people to keep a constant pace.  Why is that so important?  Well, I, The Bassman, am a very successful introvert (at least I can be).  I know how to be alone and be comfortable.  I have noticed in the last couple of years that I work best when I work with others.  That's just me.  Tryin

He can do it...

My wife was in a minor car accident that has really given her some challenges with her back. This past Sunday, she was in so much pain that it was extremely hard for her to get out of bed. Well, I had to make a decision; let my oldest stay with her and help or bring both boys with me to church and let her rest. I wrestled with the decision for a bit because I don't want them to miss church. At the same time I did not want my wife to be in need and no one be there for her. I decided to have my oldest stay with her. Before I left, I pulled him to the side and gave him very specific instructions. "Son, I want you to make sure that your play time is at a minimum and ensure that mommy is well taken care of. If she needs food, drinks, whatever, make sure she gets it." He said he was fine with that. Well, I take the youngest with me to church and choir rehearsal. After church, I returned home to see my beautiful wife looking a lot better. I asked her how she was doin