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The last couple of weeks have been rough. I have a severe allergy to oak and maple pollen. Despite every medication out there - over the counter and prescribed - homeopathic remedies and allergy shots, I still become very ill while these trees are pollinating. My worse symptoms are dry, itchy, burning, watery eyes. It takes a lot of self control to literally not rip my eyes out of their sockets.
Needless to say, life is a challenge during this time every Spring. It's hard for me to manage my daily duties and just be nice to my family. This season was particularly challenging because I was in the midst of a huge project that got "hot and heavy" right when the oaks started pollinating. More times than not, I failed badly, gave into my suffering and allowed it to affect my mood and behavior. I am not proud of that.
It made me think of those who suffer on a daily basis, who have no guarantees that they will get better or who in fact know that they won't get better. I know I will be better. The trees will finish pollinating and my symptoms will go away immediately. I will feel good again and life will get back to normal. There is great comfort in that.
In many cases their suffering is far greater than anything I have ever experienced. (They would consider itchy, watery eyes a blessing in comparison to what they deal with!) Yet, they learn to manage their suffering and accept it. Many are even able to use their suffering to become saints and bring others closer to Christ.
So often we become so focused on ourselves and our crosses, that we lose sight of the big picture. Yes, we all have our sufferings, but there is always someone who is feeling the weight of a cross far greater than ours and carrying it much better. We need to accept our crosses and carry them with courage. In turn, we need to reach out to those who are carrying crosses far greater than ours and reach out to them with prayers and support.
It's been a Spring of many lessons for me.
