11-26-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 26, 2024
Did you do anything stupid when you were younger? Maybe I should ask it a different way. Did you know anyone who did not do something stupid when they were younger? That’s likely a much shorter list. Among the many stupid things I did as a kid was to show off by doing backflips. As a gymnast, I was capable of executing a standing backflip just about anywhere. However, simply executing one in the lobby of a McDonald’s wasn’t sufficient. I took my backflips to the next level, performing them off the tailgate of a pickup truck, the roof of a shed, and even off the deck on the back of a friend’s house. I would land the backflip and think to myself, “Ouch! That sort of hurt my knee.” Well, three knee surgeries later, I find myself facing the prospect of a knee replacement next summer. There are consequences to our actions, yet I disregarded the advice of numerous individuals who cautioned me, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You’ll eventually regret it.” In the moment, I couldn’t fathom how I would regret it. Today, there’s real regret.

A century ago, knee replacements were unimaginable. I had a great uncle who, as a kid, jumped off the back of a moving train and messed up his knee. Despite applying various ointments and wraps throughout his life, he found little relief. Next summer, I anticipate replacing my knee. I view it as a gift of grace. While it won’t restore my youth, I believe there will be improvement—something my great uncle could never have fathomed. Based on my knowledge and observations, I’m optimistic about the potential for recovery.

It’s not a perfect analogy, but I genuinely perceive the knee replacement as a gift of grace. I made some incredibly foolish decisions, and I’m now living the consequences of those choices. Despite my own stupidity stemming from insecurity and a desire to impress, there’s still a path forward. While it will still involve some pain, including the surgery, ultimately, most cases offer significant relief from the most severe pain caused by some past act of stupidity. There are still reminders as this gift of grace is not perfect, but I have been told that I will walk better and with less pain by this time next year. Those who have received and accepted grace are able to eventually walk the path of forgiveness and new life, relieved of the pain of guilt or injury caused by a stupid decision years earlier. 

Thank you! Thank you, Gracious God, for you continue to find ways of helping us move forward even from those stupid choices that had real and lasting repercussions. Your gift of loving-kindness is truly transformative. Amen.