I've never had the patience to do grocery shopping or any other type of shopping much, and in the past, I've left it up to my wife and daughter to do it. However, this attitude changed due to an affliction. Let me explain.

A number of years ago, I developed a painful back problem after only three months into a new job. I thought, What are You doing to me now, God? I initially went to a chiropractor who told me that I had a "stressed frame" — a nice way of telling me that I was overweight! I continued to work for a while, but eventually, I went home to rest and take pain killers. However, the pain got worse, and I found myself having to crawl to the bathroom on my hands and knees and spending a lot of time flat on my back on the chesterfield. Right away, my doctor got me into the local hospital. I had a CT scan done of my back and began physiotherapy. According to the chief physiotherapist, I had entered an occupation that had a high risk of lower back problems, sitting for long periods of time under stressful situations.

Following two weeks in the hospital, I was released to be an outpatient. My wife then drove me to the hospital a couple of days each week for treatment. I would hobble out to the car with cane in hand, and collapse lying on the back seat, as it was too painful for me even to sit up front with her. I felt so useless, as my wife was having then to support the family on her income alone.

After a few months of physiotherapy and much prayer, I was able to go back to work and drive the car. It felt so good to be mobile again and to do even the most menial of things. I was so thankful. Believe it or not, I had this new desire to go shopping. I looked forward to pushing the grocery cart around the store for my wife and going on other shopping excursions. Now I shop on my own and patiently enjoy it.

James 1:2-3 – My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. (NKJV)

It often takes an experience such as mine to appreciate the benefits of just being able to get around. As James states in this Scripture, when our faith is tested (and it was), it can produce patience in us. So let us count it all joy!

Prayer: Father God, forgive us when we complain about the menial tasks we are called to do in our lives. Teach us patience through our afflictions, and enable us to count it all joy. Amen.

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About the author:

Allan Smith <agwsmith6@gmail.com>
Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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