
Remember the ups and downs of playing on a seesaw? It was fun.... as long as the sides were balanced. Otherwise, you got stuck dangling in the air or bound to earth with your knees and hips bent at impossible angles. If you were alone, did you ever stand in the middle and see if you could keep it level?
Ever since my concussion, I've been wobbly. Jim Peterson teases me, saying, "I pulled a Cathy Hake today." Translation: "I fell."
I now use either a cane or a walker, and the doctor ordered "Balance training" for me this week. It got me thinking a lot about what balance is.... what it isn't... and when/where it is most important.
There are health-conscious people who take the stairs. There are those who do handsprings afterward. God created Mr. Otis, who invented elevators. God made sure I was born after elevators were commonplace. That surely is proof of God's mercy and wisdom!


Even in my prime, I would have broken my neck trying to ride one of those neat old penny farthing bicycles. Its predicessor, the pedestrian curricle, might have been fun and safer. Neither was considered proper for a lady, though. Again, proof that God knew which century would be a good fit for me.

Once upon a time, arms outstretched, I'd walk down railroad tracks. I wouldn't try that anymore, but I'd certainly enjoy taking a train trip. The last one I took started in Amsterdam and went halfway across Europe. Just think: Riding gave me sights and memories that I cherish years later. I didn't need balance for that at all!There is balance in life; there is also a balance to life. The Bible tells of it beautifully. lyrically, in the third chapter of Ecclesiastes:
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gatherstones together a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Things are see-sawing in the world around us. In our homes and churches, we find love and peace. On the news, we see hatred and war in a magnitude never known before. This week has been horrifying as events unfolded.
Our centerpoint is The ROCK.
Regardless of storms, shifting sands, fires, wars and rumors of wars, He is unchanging. We can hide ourselves in the cleft of the rock, and He will cover us there with His hand.
In the meantime, I'll use a cane, go to balance training, and--most importantly---ground myself in the Word and go to church.
As a child, I'd seesaw. Now, I'll stand on the Centerpoint because only there can we find rest.




Hi Cathy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything you say about a "balance in Life" and a "balance to life" and yes Ecclesiastes, does describe it beautifully.
Part of that balance is to nurture and heal. Shouldn't you have an MRI or CT if you are stiil having problems with the concussion? I'm concerned for you. Praying for you my friend!
Great and very timely post today, sweet Cath. This past week it has been extra-difficult to watch/listen to news reports, as we learn of the horrible violence going on in different parts of the world. Makes me extra-thankful that I do have THE ROCK in my life--knowing that HE is always there and never changes. ~ I'm so concerned about you, and echo our Aussie Nurse's comments (waving at dear Rosie!) about having tests done since you're still bothered by that concussion. Please know I'm praying for you, and please take care of yourself. Love, Patti Jo
ReplyDeleteYou ladies are so sweet to be concerned. I cherish your prayers.
ReplyDeleteI've had an MRI. I have a spectacular team of doctors, but a very stubborn brain. (Yes,yes. I hear your gasps of surprise.)
My left eye no longer tracks in tandem with my right. I have daily migraine syndrome--which has very recently improved. (God be praised!) But my balance, language, and math processing centers are all impaired. (Side note: I typoed and wrote "match" instead of math.)
I'm eternally thankful Bethany House Publishers is very patient and supportive. I continue to write--but instead of riding the an ocean tide's rush of words, I now wade through a trickling stream. Still, it is Living Water, and so essential to me.
As is my nature, I try to find humor in it all. Botox is part of the migraine treatment, so it shaves off a few years... and the cane adds a few. Thus, there is balance yet again! If you dare say otherwise, stay out of range, because I am Abel with my Cain! (That pun was just for you, PJ!)
much love,
Cathy
OH Cathy!!! LOVED that pun, sweet friend! (actually that was a much better pun than any I've produced--perhaps I should take some pun lessons from you?? And then you could give me an o-PUN book test?!). Please take good care of yourself, and I promise if I didn't live across the country I'd help you in any way I could. But do know you've got my PRAYERS!!! Sending a big HUG from Georgia, PJ (and just so you'll know...at first I typed an "h" instead of "g" so it read that I was sending you a big HUH!!) But I think a huG is much better! ;)
ReplyDeleteo-PUN book test? PJ you are a riot!
ReplyDeleteAs for Hug/Huh.. Huh is the onomonopoeia. It's the sound of the action which defines it.
It's a game I play when I typo. I imagine a dictionary definition for the word. A recent one: "Vist": N or V: A visit during which I shouldn't have come or cannot stay long.
HUH rught back at you and everyone else on Writes!
Cath
Cathy, I'm very sorry about your balance issues. Nonetheless, it has caused you to write another wonderful post. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRobin, as you fought the Big C, you testified to the same truth: In our weakness, God proves Himself stronger, more merciful, and forever faithful. If I do not praise Him, the rocks will cry out. My goal is to keep the rocks silent!
ReplyDeleteCathy
OOps Cath, don't you two girls mean Onomatopoeia?...
ReplyDelete@PJ(waving back madly!:) You're talking about spelling errors,have a look at how I spelled "still" in my first comment!LOL!
Dear Cath, please take care! Nurse Rosie's orders!:)
LOL--Yes, Rosie. Onomatopoeia. My version now gets a zany definition.
ReplyDelete1)Onomonopoeia: An onomatopoeia that is sick with mono.
2) Onomonopoeia: An onomatopoeia played over a single speaker instead of stereo.
Of course, you might know a better or different definition. I do love to learn....
Cathy :)
Dear Cath! I SIMPLY CAN'T match that one! LOL!!
ReplyDelete