Not Into Back Pain

Last weekend, Tami decided to search for something in our attic even though I assured her it wasn’t there. I knew that she would never be able to get up in our garage attic, so I went up for her. Such a loving husband! Lol

While searching in the attic I figured it was a good time to start throwing away stuff that we have not used in years: old VHS tapes, broken suitcases, damaged Christmas decorations, and some other things. As I was tossing them down into the garage I confirmed what I knew from the beginning—that the item Tami had me searching for was not in any of our attics. As I was getting ready to climb down, I thought of one other item I should get out. It was a luggage carrier that mounted to the top of our car, and it had been in the attic for 10 years. We no longer have the car and with an SUV we have no use for it. I began pulling and trying to work it through the rafters. Then it happened, something I’d never done before and hope to never do again: I pulled a muscle in my lower back, and it stopped me from doing anything else.

I’ve heard from people who’ve done this but never imagined that I would someday experience it myself. I guess I’ve entered a new phase of my life. Somebody needs to tell Tami so she’s easier on me. I climbed down the ladder, put the carrier away, went into the house, and sat in my chair. The more time passed, the stiffer my back grew, and I was soon walking around like an old man. I took pills, sat with a heating pad on my back, and even slept a few hours on the couch to get comfortable. It’s been four days, and every day it’s getting a little better, and I’ve learned that I will not do something like that again.

Going through that experience got me thinking about my spiritual life. Am I aware when I do something that brings harm to my relationship with Christ? Do I know what conviction is and understand that it’s there to help me stay healthy? When I do harm to my spiritual walk, do I take the proper steps to get back to the place I need to be with the Lord—like on my knees at an altar or in the Word? I may need to talk to a pastor or somebody I highly respect spiritually. My physical body will recover because I’m being careful and nursing it back to good health, but I need to make sure that I’m taking care of my spiritual wellness in the same way.