Weaknesses

Various people have asked me about my ear. I got some good news and really bad news. The good news, the infection is nearly healed. The bad news, it ruptured my eardrum and now I have a big hole in it. My love of hunting and shooting high caliber guns without hearing protection in my youth resulted in permanently losing 80%-90% of my hearing in my right ear and now I am equally deaf in the left where my infection ruptured my eardrum. The doctor stated it may grow back on its own and it may not. My chances are fifty-fifty and if it does not heal on its own there are operations available but they are delicate. I will know in about three months.

I was joking with someone the other day that at least now I do not have to listen to my wife and for that matter I can pretend like I cannot hear anything that I do not want to hear from anyone. I have never heard of anyone having an ear infection for seven weeks, but the doctor told me he has seen them go on for six and seven MONTHS. It is amazing how such a seemingly small thing can develop into a major life-changing event in such a short time.

We often do not realize how important something is until we lose it. This applies to many aspects of our lives and it reminds me to be thankful for what I have, particularly my health. As one drifts into old age, the eyesight and hearing begin to wane and other health concerns pop-up and the body slowly turns from being strong as a bull to weak as a lamb. Those of you in your youth should cherish your good health and strength now while in your prime and thank God almighty, for it is indeed a great blessing that will begin to fade with time.

I’m hopeful that my hearing can be restored to its former level or at least somewhat, but if not I will deal with it. I’m not going to sit around feeling sorry for myself and have already started looking for the good things that might come about as a result of it. One that comes to mind is television. I did not like it much before and now is not attractive at all, as I cannot hear much of what they are saying even with it turned all of the way up. Now there is some relief.

The Bible states that God is made perfect in our weakness. Frankly I have never understood this passage and would like for someone who is more enlightened than me to help me understand it. For now it remains a mystery like many others and I look forward to one day hearing my Father Jesus explain its purpose and clear it up for me. He loves me this I know and is constantly praying for me behind the scenes and every time I read the passage below it makes me want to just shout Hallelujah!

Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit also helps in
our weaknesses. For we do not
know what we should pray for as we
ought, but the Spirit Himself makes
intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered.