Aftereffects

Over time I have been able to resume some of the physical work that I was accustomed to doing before the accident. When I first married over three decades ago I didn’t know a thing about home repairs or construction. I owned a few hand tools, but they all looked brand new because of a lack of use. While working my way through Bible College and living the married life I took a job that required me to learn different areas of work such as gas, electric, plumbing, and carpentry. I gradually started to work on projects around the house and became more knowledgeable in the do-it-yourself realm. I’ve also grown accustomed to working on our vehicles as long as the repair involves a simpler part out/ in process. The old saying “jack of all trades, master of none” pretty much applies to me. I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and throughout my years in the ministry I have worked on many different maintenance projects at the church property. 

This aspect of my life has changed since the accident. Physical work that was once a very common part of my week, whether at work or at home, now requires a major effort. I can’t figure out if I should blame my injuries or the diabetes, but I tire easily with most physical exertion and I get very tired by midday regardless. I find that I often cannot do some of the things that I did before, whether for lack of stamina or lack of mobility and flexibility. When I do certain things that I know I really “shouldn’t” be doing, I pay the price afterward through pain and fatigue. I love to work with my hands much more than working at a desk, but I have had to learn to calm down a bit and watch what I do to my body with a greater sense of caution. It really isn’t an issue involving the aging process, but rather an issue concerning the aftereffects of my accident. I originally thought that this would change, but it’s been a long time now and nothing much is changing any more.

The need to adjust and advance continues to be a crucial part of injury recovery. I think that an important aspect of this involves the need to enjoy everything that I do regardless of the specific task or the details. The Bible tells us, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” (Eccl. 9:10), and this principle is a guiding light for me toward a more productive future. Standing or sitting, hammer or pen, I know that I need to embrace each responsibility and task with the same degree of zeal and enthusiasm. There is no internal conflict concerning loss or hindrance within a determined heart. Instead I find the desire and ability to live the adventure that is life.