Sidelined…
In my nearly twenty-six years of “aunt-life,” I have been privileged to hold a front row seat to our favorites’ activities.
From soccer, to baseball, basketball, cheerleading, and musical pursuits…
Ryan and I are often in attendance, cheering them on, loudly!
A recent outing involved our three oldest favorites. The trio, partnered with a group of friends, to participate in an alumni soccer tournament.
Slathered in sunscreen, toting a cooler filled with ice packs and snacks, we settled on the bleachers for a day of fun.
About halfway through the afternoon, shouts could be heard from the field below. The game was paused as trainers rushed on to the scene.
Lying in the middle of the astroturf, our nephew writhed in pain.
His injury was quickly assessed and it was determined he could no longer participate. Flanked on either side, by his parents, he walked gingerly off the field.
As I watched the event unfold, I couldn’t help but be intrigued by his reaction.
What impressed me about this young man was not his ability to remain conscious in the face of excruciating pain.
That, in and of itself, required tremendous effort.
Rather, it was his strong determination to remain present on the sidelines, for the rest of the tournament.
Propped in a wheelchair, he sat near the bottom row of bleachers… all the while cheering on his teammates, before pursuing additional treatment.
And what a road to recovery it has been…
Following this event, I found myself thinking about the game of life.
No, not the board game.
Our everyday, coming and going, goal pursuing, teammates required, type of living.
And I have discovered that there are aspects about chronic illness that leave people feeling unprepared.
The one that baffled me; the amount of time you will spend on the sidelines.
Medical professionals are quick to rattle off side effects of medications or zero in on ways you can attempt to manage your illness.
And believe me, I recognize that information is important.
However, they rarely indicate how much time will pass by, as you wage war with your body.
There are moments in the journey, when navigating unpredictable symptoms, becomes your main objective.
Stretches of time, when illness determines your ability to be an active participant in life.
You’re left constantly asking… if I spend energy doing this activity today, how will it impact me two weeks from now?
Meanwhile, all around you, the game of life continues in full force.
Does this mean we are required to forfeit and claim defeat?
I can’t take part in everything, so I won’t do anything.
After years of trial and a whole lot of error, I would submit to you the exact opposite.
It is in these pain-filled, semi-conscious moments, when extra effort to be present in life is imperative.
We must pull from our determination reserves because we made a commitment to our team.
This in no way requires you to run yourself ragged by existing to people please.
It is a matter of adjusting expectations to do what only you can, to strive for the win.
Now this scenario looks different for each of us dealing with the constant battle of illness.
For some, this means adding value to your team, in unconventional ways. By understanding that the balance of responsibility shifts while managing illness; you can begin focusing on ways to best support your team.
For others, this means drawing from your skill set to celebrate or champion your teammates. Gifts of encouragement, organization, or compassion, can potentially unite teammates toward accomplishing goals.
And still for some, even those tasks are too difficult. If you find yourself in this category, you may choose to simply utter prayers on behalf of your team.
Adjusting the manner in which you are able to participate, doesn’t make you any less effective.
It merely increases your impact, when you are permitted to fully engage.
James tells us in the first chapter of his writing, that we are to count it all joy, when we meet trials of various kinds… It is these trials that produce within us an unwavering faith.
He goes on to say in verse 12; “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
At times, your view from the sidelines may feel monotonous, as life charges ahead.
Nevertheless, we need to be mindful that our primary objective as lifestyle worshippers, is to finish well.
What does finishing well look like for your team, dear reader?
What adjustments can you make, today, that will benefit your teammates, regardless of your current position?
As I strive to make a difference on my team… I pray for the same fervant determination, displayed in my nephew, in the face of adversity.