Tired

It is amazing how much effort it takes to heal. This past week I have been exhausted, all because of four tiny holes in my leg. The cat bite isn't that big, and it doesn't even hurt that much any more. But it still saps my energy as my body uses all of its resources to repair the damage. When we are injured and trying to heal, it affects our entire body, not just the injured area.

The same thing happens with spiritual injuries. When we suffer, maybe from a broken relationship or having an argument at home, it hurts. And that hurt can affect every part of our lives, not just things that have to do with the person who hurt us. We get snippy with people we shouldn't be mad at. We get tired and don't want to be bothered helping someone else. Our work is substandard. We have a hard time smiling.
You think you are alone in your hurt, but that's not true.

The same goes for the church. As the Bible says, the church is a body. When one member is hurting, everyone will feel it.

God made us to be connected, and that is good. It is good for the hurting, and for the people around them.

Those who are in need get the sympathy, comfort and help they need because the body feels their pain. I always know that no matter what happens, I can go to church and the people there will stand with me. They will provide meals after a funeral or during an illness. They will help out with rides and babysitters and even offer up a place for someone to stay in their own home. The way the body works, giving its resources to those in need, is a beautiful thing. Everyone is stretched a little thing, but no one goes without. Needs are met.

For some, this appears to be a bad thing. Why should I have to feel another's pain? Why does their dysfunction ruin the peaceful, happy church atmosphere?
We are most blessed when we bless others. In helping someone in need, we can learn so much. There is no greater peace that to be totally exhausted at the end of a day of fulfilling, meaningful work. This is true rest, not to be lazy on vacation but to lay back and know that every piece of your energy went to a good cause.

Helping to heal others can help heal our own souls. When you help, you know that help is there. When you give, you meet others who are also willing to give. Through building these connections you learn that you never need to be alone. Reaching out to others builds a support network that you can fall back on when you are the one in need.