Impatient Patient

I’ve never experienced anything like this.

Recovery from the broken rib and broken pelvis that resulted from that bicycle accident two weeks ago is taking a long time. Of course, for me, anything longer than say 10 to 15 minutes is a long time. I was ready to get up, get out, and get going from day one . . . except of course for the slight problem of not being able to support any weight on my left leg . . .

Those who know me well have sent encouraging notes and emails . . . many have included words along the line of “I bet you’re not an easy person to keep down” . . . or, “you best listen to your doctor and your wife” . . . or, “just be patient”.

That last request borders on the ludicrous for me . . . if you really knew me you’d know that patience in definitely not by strong suit . . .

And then is struck me, maybe that’s one of the lessons to be learned from this soon-to-be-month-long period of recovery. I’m supposed to learn about patience . . . about the value of slowing down . . . about how to use quiet, alone time to best advantage.

James said it best in his New Testament book when he wrote “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (emphasis added; James 1:2-4)

Slowing down and smelling the roses has never struck me as being much fun; however, slowing down and reading several good books just might help make this time of learning patience go by a bit easier . . .