I’ve recently sustained two different injuries, one which required a trip to the ER and stitches, and the other, a torn muscle, requiring physical therapy. Both hurt. And both have provided a number of lessons this holiday season.
The first, a lacerated elbow, taught me about the goodness of people. After taking a dive onto concrete in a public space I was almost immediately surrounded by a good friend, the good friend's mom, and what seemed to be a battalion of volunteer firemen and EMTs. The firemen and EMTs made short work of bandaging and reassuring me that I wasn’t nearly as stupid as I felt. The friend’s mom drove me to the ER and stayed with me — keep in mind, I’d never met the woman, who gave up an important family experience to sit in the ER and wait on me. Other friends took charge of my little granddaughter and made sure that she was safe and well cared for (and spoiled). So many people gave up something that day to take care of me and my granddaughter. The gift of time and compassion is priceless.
The second injury, a torn muscle in my hip, means that I can’t do anything for very long: sitting, standing, walking, etc. without a lot of pain. The good news is that even though the recovery is slow, it will heal. Sitting through a church service was impossible for a few weeks. When I returned to church, one of our oldest, frailest parishioners greeted me with a hug and said, “I’m so sorry you’re having such a hard time. You’re in my prayers.” Talk about feeling like a heel — this lady has serious chronic health issues that dwarf my torn muscle. I was immediately reminded that no matter how miserable you feel, someone is always worse off, so get over yourself and start caring about others.
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These two boo-boos have reminded me of how many people are suffering invisible injuries and disease. Pain is often a constant companion for folks, and medication can have some bizarre effects. (For instance, I’ve been taking muscle relaxers and have found that I have to work extra hard to keep my “filters” in place — I’ve been terrified of business calls, lest I say something goofy!)
If you want to make a real difference this holiday season and beyond, commit to being more patient with slow-moving folks, smile warmly at crabby people (who may well be in pain), repeat yourself for those who may be foggy from medication, and generally assume the best about people. Even if there’s nothing wrong except that the person is a confirmed grinch, you’ll be a better person for your compassion!
