Chris Lewis Blog

How many times have you longed for some peace and quiet in the last few days?  How often do you find yourself saying things like “there’s just not enough hours in the day” or “I can’t get everything done that needs to be done today”?

I have been laying in basically the same spot for 8 days now since my injury, unable to really do anything.  Even maneuvering the computer to be able to type is something of a chore!  I have counted the blocks that adorn the crown molding on the entertainment center.  I have watched so many things on the History channel that I am an expert in many obscure facts.  I have even found patterns in the textured ceiling that I am pretty sure are some sort of hidden code!  Trust me, total rest is not all it’s cracked up to be!

Seriously though, I have realized a few things during this time and I thought I would share:

• You are not that important – Amazingly, life has gone on without me.  The world didn’t stop and things have rolled right along in spite of my incapacitation.  The next time you think you can’t imagine taking a break because you just don’t know how everything will continue, remember your perception of your importance and your actual necessity are probably quite different.
• Rest is necessary – Although I have had more than my fill of stillness and solitude, I have to confess that the first portion was actually very refreshing (minus the pain).  Everyone has to have some planned and intentional rest on occasion.  I have been reminded of the biblical mandate to honor the sabbath.  When was the last time you unplugged from everything and purposefully rested?
• Celebrate your support – OK, I have definitely been in a unique position where this is concerned.  I have been forced to depend on the care and support of others (mainly my super-godly wife) during this time.  I have noticed some interesting things as I have sat in this semi-vegetative state these past days: I have listened and observed the unbelievable things my wife does on a daily basis.  On top of caring for me, I have witnessed the amazing minutia that Tab does every single day.  She is AMAZING! And she needs to hear that from me when I’m NOT lying flat on my back.  Have you celebrated those around you who hold you up on a daily basis lately?

I am not strong in the area of PATIENCE as a general rule anyway.  This situation has tested and stretched my limits already and I am sure there is more to come.  I am one of the worst I know at accidentally looking past the current situation to the future and that means sometimes missing the message in the moment.  Maybe it’s from growth, maybe from repetition, but more likely because I don’t have a choice…but I am seeing some lines in the bigger picture through this…