Wellness with Rev. N: Walking on
Walking is one of the first things we do. Before we know it, we are stumbling about, exploring the world around us. Those first steps are watched by nervous parents who protect us from falling. As we grow, walking becomes automatic until a wayward step twists an ankle or tweaks a knee. Our mobility is temporarily affected by the pain of injury. This pain is the pain of living. We can still go on with life, but walking on becomes difficult.
But sometimes, we are broken by a pain that saps all our attention. That pain can be physical or emotional. It’s a pain that crushes us, and the only question becomes, ‘When will this end?’ In the darkness of night, the pain robs us of the most basic relief---sleep and the dreams to carry us away. We can think only one thing: how to end the pain---how to end it all.
It’s surprising how quickly, in times of pain, be it physical or emotional, this question becomes a tyrant demanding answers. How can we go on? It’s unbearable. Alone it’s impossible. We need another soul to share in our pain, another soul to share the burden. We need the gift of love to imagine a future.
Our health may be restored, or it may not. How can we stand up to this pain as it washes away all other thoughts? There is no easy path forward. Can we flourish when the pain becomes all-consuming? Emotional or physical suffering can’t be walked alone. We need a friend, a family member, or a community to walk with us. If you are not in pain, walk with those who are. If you are in pain, reach out for another hand and walk on.
