To most of us, the four steps in the picture below appear to be a simple staircase. But, a few months ago, as it took twenty minutes for four strong, able-bodied people to help my bother into his home, it might as well have been Mount Everest.
Days prior, Steven fell twelve feet from the back deck he was building. He landed on his side, breaking seven ribs and his pelvis, puncturing his lung, and tearing a muscle. Upon being released from the hospital, the task of taking a mere step was grueling. Sweat poured as his arms shook, bearing his weight on a walker. The only way to move his right leg was to slowly inch it forward using his toes. Lifting it off the ground even a half inch caused excruciating pain. I remember the look on his face when they pulled up from the hospital and he stared at the intimidating steps.
My sister-in-law Melanie and their neighbors (a Physical Therapist and a Cross Fit athlete) carefully, slowly lifted his legs out of the passenger seat and placed his feet on the ground. Already exhausted and pushing through intense pain, a look of shear determination crossed his face as we all helped him up these steps. It was mentally, emotionally, and physically arduous.
Now, months later, Steven has made a full recovery and is back to working out and enjoying an active lifestyle. I was recently at his home again, and couldn’t help but remember how very different life was when I was last there to help with his recovery. I found myself seeing these stairs differently.
Everything is relative, isn’t it?
Four steps are a mindless task … until they’re not.
A phone call with a loved one is a common occurrence … until she’s gone.
Getting out of bed is effortless … until depression sets in.
Another drive to the office feels mundane … until the layoff happens.
Retirement is enjoyable … until the doctor calls with the diagnosis.
Perhaps you can relate?
Circumstances can change in an instant. Trauma can blindside us, often leaving us asking “Why?”.
As Christ followers, we are certainly not guaranteed a life of ease. But, we do have the assurance of the presence and strength of a loving, good God. We may be left with a lot of unanswered questions on this earth.
And, as frustrating as that can be, it’s so important to turn our “Why?” into more productive conversations with God:
“What do you want me to learn from this experience?”
“How can I glorify Your name during this trial?”
“Help me to see Your goodness despite this grueling season.”
“How do You want to use this to shape me more into Your image?”
No matter what you may be currently facing, you have a God who never fails…a God whose goodness is unchanged by your circumstances. He is with you and for you, and wants to use this time to draw into a richer connection with you.
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