Crutches

When I was a young girl, I got a broken leg as a result of a traffic accident. My very first post, Halloween 1979, details that experience. Recently, I have been thinking about how a broken leg is a metaphor for life.  Humanity symbolizes the broken bone; community is the doctor; exercise, food, music, nature, games and creativity are my crutches and spirituality is a physical therapist. Let me walk you through each metaphor. 

We are human! That fact says I am broken, imperfect...in need of improvement. Some fracture's causes are clear, like my leg. Others are caused over time, like stress fractures. Years of misuse, abuse and inattentiveness may cause a serious injury. The damage may be self inflicted or be caused by someone else's poor choices. The good news is there is hope. With the help of community, crutches and spirituality broken bones can heal and be made whole. 

Community consists of family, friends and acquaintances. Association is essential in diagnosing affliction. We require a radiologist to see through the skin of our persona to see what is in need of repair. If we are not diagnosed correctly, we can waste years walking around with a splint on our arm when we have a broken leg. If you want to know what areas of your life need polishing, listen to what other people say to you. If possible, find a person that is trustworthy and honest enough to lovingly show you that x-ray. 

All of us have crutches. Crutches are the things that assist while the healing is occurring. We may not be ready to stand on our own yet. Cautiously choose your crutches so that they fit you and support you. If possible, choose crutches that will provide support to others. Crutches can be abused. If we overuse them they prevent us from healing and may cause additional injury. Once in awhile throw the crutches aside. You may be surprised the mountains you can climb without them. 

Spirituality is the only way to gain wholeness from our shattered lives. It is the therapy required to be able to gain the confidence that our pain will someday be redeemed. When we look at our lives as being part of something greater, we can find meaning in our existence. Regardless of your belief system, hope in something bigger promotes recovery. "The only way that we can stand is on our knees with lifted hands."