It’s hard to love a crummy day. About an hour after I wrote a positive post about the riches of life, I was hit with the worst migraine I’ve ever faced and a sick stomach with low blood counts, which led to another day in bed. No huge deal; we’ve all had these kind of days and get through them. Even faith and prayer do not eliminate crummy days. But the interesting thing is what opportunities we have to respond.
I remember years ago coming across research about the effect of serving others. The particular study involved two groups of individuals in an in-patient psychiatric facility. Nothing changed with the control group; they remained on unit and participated, or not, in their normal daily activities, largely centered on themselves. The test group however were given opportunity to participate in off-grounds community volunteer work, helping others. The study concluded that well-being as rated by patients, peers, and doctors all increased for those who helped others. In other words, getting our focus off ourself and helping others is a remedy for better health! Jesus knew this when he gave us the Great Command:
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength; Love your neighbor as yourself. – Mark 12:30-31
Doesn’t it go against our natural self to love God or others on crummy days? And yet, if we were perfectly ‘selfish’ and DID what was truly best for us, that is exactly what we would do. It is part of God’s plan for our wonderful life.
And so, through this pretty crummy day, Marcia and I had opportunity to draw close together as she ministered to me so tenderly. And my nurse who is also paying close attention to me started asking questions about my faith. We talked not only about church but also about the real power of letting Jesus live in our life, to be not just our Savior, but also our Lord. We ended with prayer. I can’t share the specifics of the impact in her life, but it was good.
Physically, it was a crummy day, no question. But in other ways, it led to something else that was quite special indeed.
Do you realize, beloved friends, that by sharing your crummy days you also minister to us? And by “us” I mean your whole bunch of friends you are walking with you along this path? What can I say except that may God bless you both for in the midst of your ordeal, you also have the faith to lift us and guide us towards what really matters? We love you and bless you.
We are told in at all times to rejoice. Rejoice to me means joy & many times while I don’t rejoice I do give thanks ie for the percodan that relieved migraines back when I had them. Your faith is inspiring to those of us still seeking the wisdom you have found. Loving prayers.
Hi Bryan and Marcia,
Your blog has become a daily inspiration for me as I lay in this bed recovering. Thank you for your heartfelt and honest words. I know about crummy days, I imagine we all do in one way or another. However, your account of it sure helped me get out of my own pain, get dressed and ready for lunch with my elders in this memory care center. They just light up when I walk or roll in the room and this in turn lightens my burden as well. When I listen to their stories and ask questions, I get to get out of my own pain and smile as I hear whatever may be on their hearts. Thank you. Still praying for healing, strength, comfort, and smiles as you can find them . With love, Emily