It took awhile for me to hate being fragile.
Every dog-walk is measured against how much breath I have, and every step is measured against tumours in my leg-bones...will they break, if I step too hard?
And I used to be something of an athlete.
But that's pride talking, pride in what I once was...and now, what I am, the glory is to accept, to live with the restrictions...and to come up smiling, joking, playing the fool.
And somehow, that acceptance enables me to be more than I was...and this week's Five Minute Friday prompt is enable.
My world has gotten fragile now,
with bones that ache and breath so short,
and I can scarce remember how
I had once excelled at sport,
but perhaps this is a game
as well, upon a killing field,
and I will earn a greater fame
in my choice of not to yield,
but accept the daily weakness
with good heart and cheery will,
and make of this a kind of meekness
that my Saviour may instill
and make my soul a mirror clear
reflecting that there's nowt to fear.
Music from Val Doonican, with Paddy McGinty's Goat. Really? Yes, and click here if the video doesn't come up.
Andrew I'm not ill but aging brings its own change of pace, but I can't begin to image what you feel. You are amazing in your faith and your ability to work magic with your words.
ReplyDeletePaddy McGinty's Goat is a strange song for a young girl in India to hear, but I grew up hearing this and other Irish songs thanks to my aunt having visited Ireland several times.
Corinne, from what I have heard you are very right, that aging does bring a similar sense of the fragile. Not something I will experience, I guess.
DeleteAnd I am so chuffed to find a fellow fan of Paddy's Goat!
Amen Andrew, Jesus indeed blessed you with the creativity of words. I admire your unshakeable faith. Continued prayers to you and Barb. Blessings my friend.
ReplyDeleteVisiting from FMF#3
Paula, thank you so much for these affirming words, and most especially for your prayers!
Deleteand indeed there is nothing to fear. Hold on to that. :)
ReplyDeleteHolding tight to not being afraid, Annette!
DeleteNo fear in love!! Great job, Andrew.
ReplyDeleteDeirdre FMF#7
DeleteDeirdre, thank you so much...and please forgive my absence lately, at your site. I'm falling behind.
DeleteAndrew, Love this post! I too was an athlete in childhood and teen years. I am still pretty active walking, dog walking, yoga, and tennis. However, when my mental health fails...I too feel lacking in exercise ability or motion at all or on the opposite side too much motion! I struggle with Bipolar Disorder. I find it a challenge and a gift. I have learned that there is a purpose to this thorn in my flesh, and I can choose to accept it or fight it. I seek balance. I seek love and give love. That is the life we live right?! Loving.
ReplyDeleteSincerely, Jennifer FMF
Jennifer, please pardon my very late reply. Had a very bad fall. Bleeding internally. Bummer.
DeleteI am so impressed by your courage and fortitude, seeing the 'thorn in your flesh' as a challenge and gift.
You're my hero.
Andrew, I thank God for how He is using you even in this difficult time you are enduring. It's amazing how He can use us when we are fragile. Keeping you in my prayers. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteDuane, thank you for this, and especially for your prayers. Please pardon my delay in replying; had a very bad fall. 'Fragility', indeed, hahaha!
DeleteI'm not sure how exactly you keep going. xo
ReplyDeleteSusan, I don't know how I keep going either, and neither does barb.
DeleteInternal bleeding last few days. I need a vacation.
XOXOXOXOXO
I spent some time visiting with a former colleague this week. She has very fragile health. Every step she takes is considered. She can't risk a bad fall. Reading your post seemed like hearing her talk. Life is so precious. Being able to function is also precious. I'm glad you made it through another week. I wish you well in the days ahead. May much grace be given you. I'll leave off with three words that an old burly woodsman always said upon taking his leave. Love the Lord.
ReplyDeleteMy dear Norma, I really hear you, and your colleague...because I had a very bad fall, and it did some damage.
DeleteI do Love The Lord. With all my heart.
And I love YOU, dear and faithful friend.
Love that song.
ReplyDeleteThanks for making me smile, Andrew, despite what you are going through, and for continuing to bless us with your words. I don't know how you do it. You are one of God's finest vessels.
Praying for you and Barb.
Grams, I am so glad you enjoyed the song!
DeleteI am so very honoured by your words; they help me keep going, and we are so grateful for your prayers.
Your bravery is beautiful. I love those last two lines - powerful. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAmanda, thank you so much...and please, please forgive the delay in my reply.
DeleteI'm so glad you're here.
It encourages me how God has enabled you to keep going and remain so positive.
ReplyDeleteLesley, it is all God's work. All of it.
DeleteI love your poem. What beauty. Isn't it amazing the God we serve? Who makes us strongest in our weakness. You are touching lives with your testimony!
ReplyDeleteAshley, first, please forgive my late response...and thank you for this lovely affirmation!
DeleteI am so grateful.
You've encouraged me Andrew. "But that's pride talking, pride in what I once was...and now, what I am, the glory is to accept, to live with the restrictions...and to come up smiling...". Recently, I've also had some restrictions in my body - your words encourage me. Thank you. Praying for continued grace for you and Barbara x
ReplyDeleteWemi, I am so honoured that you find encouragement in my words. I am praying for you; you are such a wonderful inspiration to all of us!
DeleteAnd I'm so thankful for your prayers.
As my husband recuperates from his second cancer surgery and we await the pathology report, I take comfort in your words and your strength. He, too, struggles with his inability to do that which he could once do with ease. My heart breaks for him, and for you, but also rejoices for you both in the assurance that God will see you both safely home at exactly the perfect moment. God bless and keep you.
ReplyDeleteSue, please pardon this late reply...and please know that we are praying for your husband, and for you.
DeleteWe will be seen safe home. The road is hard, but the destination is worth it.
Andrew, your words, as always, speak to me. Feeling a sense of being fragile is humbling, and it's hard to accept at times. Thank you for the reminder that our perspectives can determine how well we walk through each season of life, especially those that are crushing. I'm praying for you daily as you work through everything. May God strengthen and encourage you daily in just the ways you need.
ReplyDeleteJeanne, you're so right...fragility is terribly hard to accept. I was training for the 2021 Highland Games, and now I am concerned about walking the dogs...it's a letdown...
Delete...and it's a grace.
Does that make sense?
Stephanie, thank you...being authentic can be pretty hard!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the manifestation of God's glory, through our hearts and lives, is unconditional.