I threw out my lower back yesterday. I knew it would help me to go get a massage and work the muscles out, but I didn’t want to go because I didn’t want to face the pain. I went ahead and scheduled the massage this morning. As expected, it hurt. I didn’t like it, but I knew that pain is part of life. I kept telling myself that it wasn’t going to last forever and that the pain I was feeling now would help me feel better later. When I got up from the massage table, I could feel a real difference. The muscles in my lower back were spasming the way they had been. I could see a light at the end of the tunnel.
When I came home, I saw a refrigerator magnet that said “I love my beagle.” It reminded me of my dog that passed away about a year and a half ago. All these memories came flooding into my mind and I felt so sad because I missed her so much. But then, I started to think about all the joy she brought into my life. God had granted me fifteen amazing years with her. She was one of the most amazing dogs that I have ever had. She’ll always be a part of my heart. I realized that the pain I had today wouldn’t be possible if she hadn’t brought so much love and joy into my life for so many years.
It’s the strangest thing because I was always taught Heaven is a beautiful place where there’s no sorrow or pain. Everything is great there and everyone is always happy. However, I think if that’s what Heaven is really like, it’s not the place for me.
Pain is part of life. It makes me know that I am alive. Pain lets me know that I miss my dog. It tells me when my body hurts. Without my pain, I wouldn’t really understand how blessed I am or what an amazing gift God has given me in my life. If there’s a Heaven, I have to believe that it is where good and evil no longer matter, pain and pleasure can’t be distinguished. The dualities of life are transcended and there is only God, His love, and I will know and understand the universal connection and be one again with everything.
I don’t like evil or pain, but I don’t want to run away from it either anymore. Whatever comes into my life, I want to face it with God at my side knowing that I will try to endure because I have faith. I may cry, complain, and moan, but I will try. I will give all my heartache and sorrow to God, hoping that His strength will carry me when I am weak. For I know, I can’t get through this life alone.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
