By Dr. James L. Snyder
It’s hard to believe another year has already started. How many of these new years can a person have without going crazy?
That’s my explanation to The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage about why I am crazy. She believes I am crazy, but she doesn’t accept my reason for thinking I’m crazy.
The past year was rather challenging. I had some health issues, not too serious, but aggravating all the same. I’ve seen my doctor more than my wife this past year. Believe me, I’m not too excited in seeing my doctor. He must be related to Dracula because he always wants my blood.
However, when I have a physical issue, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage makes sure I see my doctor. I tell her that I’m okay and don’t need to see a doctor. She smiles at me and says, “I didn’t hear what you said, but you’re going to see the doctor.”
I’m not complaining; I do have some health issues, but I sure don’t have anything serious in the health department. I have some friends that are really sick and some that are in the hospital, and so I pray for them and thank God that I’m not that sick.
As this year begins, I’ve noticed that I am achy with pain in just about every area of my body. I can’t remember ever having this kind of pain before but there it is.
I used to make fun of my father when he was complaining about some of his pain. I just wish he were alive so that he can see I’m going through the same kind of pain as he went through and then he could laugh at me.
I don’t know who’s laughing at me because my hearing isn’t 100%. I have my suspicions.
Every once in a while, I have trouble with my right leg, and it seems to pass out or something. I have a hard time walking when my leg is like that. It is not really serious just aggravating.
I’m not to the point where I need a walking cane, let alone a wheelchair.
A relative of mine who is about one year older than me is in a wheelchair and cannot walk at all.
My doctor has prescribed a lot of medication for me, and The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage ensures I take my medicine daily. If I didn’t know better I would think I was a drug addict.
Keep this a little secret between you and me, but sometimes, The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage forgets to give me my medicine. Being the crazy guy that I am, I never remind her of that. I just snicker on the inside and count it one victory for me.
In the many years of our marriage, I have discovered that what the wife doesn’t know doesn’t hurt the husband.
My wife’s memory is 150%. But there are times when she forgets my medicine because of her busy schedule, and who am I to tell her about it?
I don’t get away with very much, but when I do get away with something I’m thrilled.
Once in a while The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage will come into my office and see me smiling and then say, “Okay, what did I forget to do?”
Even when she forgets something, she remembers that she forgot something. There’s no winning in this situation.
I was complaining about my body aching in various places, and I looked at my wife and said, “I think I’m going to go to a body shop and get some parts replaced. Do you have any recommendations?”
Without skipping a beat, she replied, “I know an antique store you could go to.”
I pretended not to hear that, but she knew I heard it. It’s interesting that there are a lot of things that I can’t hear, but then there are things that I can hear, and it’s aggravating.
One thing I have discovered is that when I walk with a cane people will hold the door open for me and let me go through. At first I was a little embarrassed by that. But then one day I was standing in line at McDonald’s I happened to have my cane along for some reason I’m not sure why, and because I was walking with a cane they let me go to the front of the line.
I’m beginning to see some good aspects to getting old. This year, my New Year’s resolution is to find all of these good aspects and cash in.
My father used to say, “When life gives you a lemon make some lemonade.” At the time, I didn’t quite understand what he was saying, but now that I have reached this age, I do understand what he meant. Next week I’ll set up a lemonade stand.
It doesn’t pay to complain; rather, it pays to find out how to look on the positive side of things.
In my devotions I read some scripture that was encouraging.
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4).
My focus this year must not be on my pain, but on the One who gives me strength everyday to life for Him.
Dr. James L. Snyder lives in Ocala, FL with the Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. Telephone 1-352-216-3025, e-mail jamessnyder51@gmail.com, website www.jamessnyderministries.com
