Discomfort

I went to visit my mom in assisted living. The caretakers, very sweet ladies who genuinely ask after me and take good care of her, pulled me aside. They wanted me to know that Mom's behavior had changed markedly. Their concern was real. Mom has been nothing but pleasant to this point, and they didn't understand why she was now being cantankerous (my word, not theirs). And, I have to admit, that did not sound like Mom. They were hoping maybe I knew something?

So, I went to Mom's room. The change in her since last week was substantial.

"Mom, are you giving up?"

"No."

"Are you depressed?"

"Who wouldn't be in this situation?"

"Good point."

"Do you hurt?"

"Yes."

"Have you told them? Have you asked for a Tylenol?"

"No. They have moved me to this side, and I can't get comfortable." Mom has slept on her left side for years and years. All of her muscles and bones tend to that side. I'm sure her body was screaming to be in such an unfamiliar position.

"Mom, They have to move you to avoid bed sores. They aren't trying to be mean."

She did look very uncomfortable, and I asked them to come and rearrange her pillows. They did, with smiles and a gentleness.

A bit later, she said, "I feel much better."

I encouraged her to ask for help and not just hurt and feel angry.

Recently, I had a doctor tell me that I was no longer to sleep on my left side so as to protect my painful, arthritic left shoulder. I have tried to honor that directive this last week, and I have not slept well. It's been pretty miserable. I awoke this morning on my left side, and I immediately felt guilty.

I went to the Great Physician and asked what He would have me do. He has prescribed that I step out of my comfort zone. And with each step, I find others and myself and a tiredness and an awe and pain and healing and sadness and joy. Being healed in this life is not without struggle and discomfort. I am reminded of this analogy by C.S. Lewis:

"Imaging yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of -- throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself." Mere Christianity

So, Mom, and SueAn, the right side may not be comfortable, but it is the correct side for you at this time. Trust in the Lord. Ask others for help. Let The Master Builder make of you what He will. Amen.