Brothers and sisters, I myself don’t think I’ve reached it, but I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me. The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus. — Philippians 3:13-14
When I had shoulder replacement last December, it wasn’t a matter of calling up the surgeon and saying, “Hey, when can you give me a new one?” Rather, it was about two years of dreading the inevitability of enduring months of arduous recovery.
In one of the meetings with the doctor, he said something that helped immensely. “Remember, Greg. After the surgery, the only pain you’ll have will be part of healing. The arthritis will be gone.” That simply changed my perspective. He helped me focus on the goal of the future instead of the pain it will take to get there.
It’s easy to fear tomorrow instead of anticipating the good that it can bring. St. Paul knew that tomorrow could possibly add to the pain he’d already suffered for the gospel (beatings, imprisonment, etc.). But he also knew that God had plans, hopes, and dreams, and tomorrow was just one step closer for him to be part of the excitement. What he could discover–the people, the mysterious movement of the Spirit, the surprises, the beauty–intrigued him and pulled him forward.
What are God’s plans, hopes, and dreams that you can be a part of? What can happen tomorrow that may change your life? And what are you going to focus on today–the crippling fear or the liberating hope?
It truly is a matter of perspective. Perhaps the title of the late Wayne Dyer’s book says it all: You’ll See It When You Believe It!
Very good thought. Sorry about your shoulder. I have heard that hip replacement is now a same day home surgery.
Thank you, Greg, for this reflection… It puts many things in perspective 👍💖