published: Sunday, May 17, 2009

Paying for carelessness

My husband, Ken, was sitting on the sofa waiting for me to watch a movie with him. I approached to take my usual spot alongside him - both of us angled with legs extended to better see the TV.

As I went to sit alongside him, I came down purposefully - not gently - expecting a soft landing on the cushion. Instead, not realizing his leg was slightly bent, I landed on his knee - hard.

"Oh, I'm going to pay for this," I said.

Over a month later, I was still paying. Whether I actually bruised the muscle or just strained it - through chiropractic and massage therapy - I've been gradually getting more range of motion back.

However, my activities have been curtailed because at first I tried ignoring the pain and exercised anyway. That only delayed healing.

I had to go back to the beginning: Step one, prayer - acknowledging that all healing - in whatever form God chooses - has its origins in him. Step two: Cooperating with the process. So I'm trying not to aggravate it while taking every step for healing.

I've learned that it is definitely wiser to "look before I leap!"

That truth shines on my spiritual life as well.

Over and over in these past few months - and now emphasized even in this injury - I am reminded of two verses of Scripture in Proverbs 3: 5 & 6 and Matthew 6:33, NIV, respectively, that can keep me on track in all of life's activities, decisions and my spiritual journey. Perhaps they will uplift someone else as well.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths."

"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added to you."

First, when I rest in the Lord acknowledging him and not trying to figure things out on my own - whether decisions I must make or actions I must take - I can count on his direction.

Secondly, when I'm concerned about finances, clothing, food, shelter or any other basic need - even desires of my heart - God asks that I put that aside and first seek him and his kingdom. That means choosing paths that I know please him and trusting in his provision.

How much better it is to approach life with care instead of carelessness. Selah

Jan Merop of Sebring is a News-Sun correspondent.