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I was Nervous for You, Papa
August 15, 2009
Pastor Bob Nienhuis
 
“I was nervous for you, Papa!”
I wasn’t sure if my ribs were broken or just bruised. What I did know, however, was that they hurt.
It was Day One of our vacation. Shortly after arriving at our daughter’s home, our granddaughter, Jadyn, wanted to go for a bike ride. She hoped on her little bicycle, complete with training wheels, while Bette Jo and I got on our bikes.
Along we went, enjoying the freedom that comes with bicycles, when my front wheel got caught in some soft sand and, before I knew it, I was on the ground.
I had a nice case of road rash on my knee, shoulder and hand. One elbow quickly swelled but it was my ribs that gave me the most discomfort.
There’s no quick remedy for a broken or bruised rib, you need to simply wait for the body’s healing process to do its work. Time and patience are the key.
The day after the fall, Jadyn came to me and said, “I was nervous for you when you fell on your bike, Papa.”
I was touched – by her tender heart and her even more tender words.
We talked about how we always need to be careful when we ride our bikes – and how God has created our body so that our bruises and cuts will heal with a little time.
Over the next few days, the swelling went down and the bruises began to heal. The ribs? Well, that was a different story. They continued to give me discomfort day and night for over a week.
Is there a lesson or two in all of this? Of course.
First, tender words from a granddaughter are a powerful source of healing. Her words, spoken from an innocent heart, made me forget all about my minor injuries.
When is the last time that you spoke words of healing and grace to another? We are all carrying around hurts and wounds. Perhaps you can speak a tender word and help another to find healing.
Second, it is always a good idea to be careful in all that you do. I’ve been riding a bike for a long time but, as I demonstrated so well, I can still do something that makes me fall.
Have you ever thought that you are above a particular sin or temptation? It’s not true! Overconfidence and an “it can’t happen to me” attitude are an invitation to disaster. It is always a good idea to be careful.
We rode our bikes more during our vacation but I will admit I was a bit more cautious, especially as I came to loose gravel and sandy corners. I think I learned at least a small lesson.
Let me suggest that, this week, we look for an opportunity to speak a tender word to someone who is hurting and that we protect ourselves from sin. After all, any one of us can fall.
Cheerfully.
Pastor Bob
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