Pain Management

It’s about 4am here in my home office. I’ve been at the computer since about two. Can’t sleep – been thinking about “pain management.”

This is a time of the year when so many  of the people I know, and friends of people I know, and people that I read about, suffer from great emotional pain. Physical pain is sometimes easier to deal with — a couple of pills and the hurting tends to subside, at least somewhat. Emotional pain, on the other hand, is much more complex.

I will spend part of Friday in a cemetery. It’s the wrong time of year (as if there were a “right” time) to be facing death when we want to be happy and excited about Christmas, spending our time shopping for just the right gift for family and friends. I have done this more frequently than one might imagine, and facing the loss of someone lloved during the Christmas season seems especially difficult in all the Christmas seasons to come. The hurt might be somewhat less if the one on your heart at Christmas is in Iraq or  Afghanistan, or prison, or just so far away a visit is impossible.  While the joy and excitement of these days is much a part of your life, there is a hurt deep inside that won’t let go, and won’t be handled by Christmas cheer.

If you are one of those who have that unique hurt, may I give you just a small note of counsel? Peace and comfort will often begin with your sharing that hurt with someone who “lloves” you. That might be a trusted friend, or the Deacon or Pastor at your Church (who I hope also fall into that category). I know your Father in Heaven is ready and anxious to bring peace which will surpass your understanding, and comfort that is beyond your imagination.

Share your heart with someone who lloves you. Real friends and God Himself await your plea.