My aches and pains signed up to meet Each morning to decide Which one of them would get to be The first one by my side They moan and groan and whimper that The straight and narrow way Is getting harder with each step So why not turn away? But when I paused to open up The book that God had given I saw His promises of life And the stairway up to Heaven And read how sweet this pathway is Our great Good Shepherd walks For He carries lambs safe in His arms And gently leads His flocks And as I slowly limp along I hear my Jesus say That in my weakness is His strength That will carry me today So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, “For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life has been delivered.” The sun rose upon him as he passed Penuel, limping because of his hip. Genesis 32:30-31 ESV Jacob’s Limp by Peter Caligiuri Copyright 2023 © all rights reserved
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I had to chuckle, picturing aches and pains jockeying for position! I have my share, but I refuse to be one of those old people who gets asked, “How are you?” and twenty minutes later they’re sorry they asked. I will say I am VERY much looking forward to heaven and getting my new body! 🙂 Meanwhile, a sense of humor comes in handy. Thanks for giving me a laugh – an inspiration – today.
Oh I am delighted to share a smile with someone who understands. Yes discussing surgeries and aches and pains is a bit like cayenne pepper. A little goes a long way!
I really like your poem, Pete. It increasingly reflects my reality.
Yes David. Old age is a tough teacher who looks like so much more fun on television.
That was wonderful and it’s relatable to me. I’ve been waking up with my back hurting from picking up and putting down a heavy baby. And as I grow older, I know there will be more. But His Grace is enough. With a little ibuprofen too, of course 😁
Thanks for joining the conversation. So glad to welcome the younger generation!
Young…ish. Hehe 😁 Have a wonderful day!
This is an extremely moving poem, Pastor Pete, as I, along with some of the others, can relate to it (having recently turned 65). Despite the pain that comes with aging, we rejoice in the promise of eternity we have in Jesus!
Amen my friend. I am 6 years ahead of you and agree totally with Emily Dickinson that “the road leads upward all the way.” But if those conspiring aches and pains cause us to lean more completely on Jesus, then they clearly are doing their job!
I agree. Well said!
What a wonderful poem! Blessings, Pastor Pete!
Thanks Cindy. We’re just limping along here with Jesus. Have a good week.
I am so grateful for His strength that carries us through! Beautifully written, Pastor Pete 🙂
Thanks Jennifer. That limp is so much more of a personal experience as I grow older. I love to go for walks. They are no longer for very far, but I am so grateful for God’s good sunshine and time to think. Have a blessed weekend.
There really is nothing that compares to a good walk in the sunshine! Rich blessings to you too, Pastor Pete. 🙂
Relatable to all ages, Pastor Pete. My protesting joints aren’t so much from age but from sports injuries and overuse in the prime of life. There are mornings where I can completely relate to that opening stanza. Years ago when my girls were still littles I reaggravated a damaged disc and was struggling to do everyday tasks. It was then the Lord taught me how to praise him in the pain. That is just what you’ve pointed us to do in this poem- to lean on our Good Shepherd.
Thanks for adding to the conversation Beth and I’m glad so many can relate. It seems God has given each of us an individual limp. It both helps us learn to lean on those everlasting arms and to appreciate the help of people He has put in our lives.