“Can you describe the pain?” asked the newest addition to my growing list of doctors. I proceeded to tell her about my arm – the weakness, tenderness and constant ache from the elbow down. “Classic tennis elbow, brought on by repetitive motion,” was her conclusion.
I was wracking my brain to come up with a movement I have been repeating recently. What could possibly be causing such a weird irritation in my arm muscles? I play the piano, but believe me when I say…I have not been putting in any extra practice time. Perhaps working on my computer? I have been doing a lot of writing lately.
As I mulled this over, it dawned on me what the root of my pain was. Nothing as glamorous as piano or writing. I can hardly bring myself to make the needed confession. Okay. Here goes: My arm is somewhat out of commission because of… (drum roll, please)… Angry Birds. There. I said it. I am addicted to an app on my i-phone. Angry Birds, Angry Birds Seasons, Angry Birds Rio – the whole “sha bang.”
You might be wondering how I can possibly make a spiritual application from Angry Birds. Oh, I’ve got one!
Pain can be one of the best motivators for change. It can gently or dramatically force us to deal with out-of-whack areas of our lives. Pain forces action.
Several years ago, I had an intense pain on the right side of my lower abdomen. It would not let up! Finally, I made a doctor appointment to have it checked out. The pain drove me to action, which in turn began a series of medical tests and surgeries. Cancer was found in two places in my body. As you know, with cancer any loss of time in the diagnosis accommodates the spread of the disease. The original soreness, though not cancerous, possibly saved my life.
I have a few friends who are currently suffering great emotional distress due to choices their young adult children are making. Their raw pain has moved them to seek God in deeper ways. When I have been with each of them lately, there inevitably comes that awkward moment of me offering them food, followed by their shy announcement that they are fasting. These women have gone extreme, crying out to God to change their children’s lives. Their pain has driven them to a new intimacy with Christ.
So… Pain. Friend or foe? Motivator or inhibitor? Action or denial? Stepping stone or stumbling block?
God will use everything in our lives to grow us. Ephesians 1:11 states, “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” He is able to grab our attention when life hurts. Will we allow Him to work in our lives… to work out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will?
And… just for the record, to let you know that my tennis elbow or ABS (Angry Birds syndrome) was not in vain… I had passed all levels, earning three stars on each! Impressive, I know!!!
I have been waiting for this one!! Great spiritual connection…but i gotta say, the end was my favorite! 🙂 hahaha good job, angry birds queen!! All my fountains are in you for that one!! 🙂
Okay. That made me laugh!! (out loud even)!!
I’ve been missing your posts and it’s great to hear from you again. Hahaha Angry Birds . . . how funny. When I get my iPhone back maybe I’ll check that one out . . . then again, I’m addiction prone ……hmmmm
Blessings to you!!!
Great to see your response, Carol. I always enjoy hearing from you! Hope all is going well for you!!
Great post Lori! Angry birds, really? But yet, that makes sense. Knowing how competitive you are. I do hope it was worth it to achieve three stars! Glad you got to the root of the problem!
As always, I love you’re writing!
HaHa, Rhonda!! Thanks for reading!! And yes… it was worth it =)
Okay! That was hilarious!!! Way to keep it real though! Good job! And thanks for all your kind words… Love u lots!
Thanks, Wendy!! Thank you for reading my blog… I know you’re bombarded with blogs!! Hah!!
Wow…..what a great spiritual connection! You are so right….pain does bring us closer to Jesus. I’m so glad to read a post from you. I SO love your writing!! This was great!!
Kelly! Thank you for reading! Thinking of you today… so sorry about your car!! Love you!!