Turn the Tables

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3 (NIV)

In a previous entry, I told you of my badly broken arm that prevented me from sleeping. Thankfully, this bone healed completely, and physical therapy helped me get my range of motion back.

Without boring you with too many details, the region of broken bone was injured right at the shoulder. I was in significant pain and could do basically nothing with my left arm for a month. Getting dressed was an adventure. Opening a bottle of soda was nearly impossible. I could only type with one hand. Worst of all, I was unable to play guitar.

During this time, my wife and kids helped me out a lot. Even after I could dress myself, I could not reach down to tie my shoes. Someone else had to. I never felt so helpless in my life.

Gradually, I have returned to the place where I can do whatever I need to. I don’t need anyone’s help for everyday tasks. It’s a good feeling.

After this experience, my wife had a brief one of her own. Tina fell on the ice in front of the post office, landing on her wrist. Initially, she was afraid that she broke it. Endeavoring to ease her through the unknown status of her wound, it became my turn to aid her how she aided me. To take her to the doctor, carry her stuff, help her get dressed, and fetch stuff for her. After more than a month of me being waited on, I became the one who waited.

Fortunately for Tina, her arm was only sprained, and she was able to return to work. Due to her position as manager at that job, any assistance she might have needed, she had on hand. She already needed me less than I needed her and rejuvenated back to 100% in less than two weeks.

The tables of assistance turned in our relationship. The waiter became the waitee and vice versa. I was able to use the comfort and help that she gave me to minister to her needs. I know that I would have been there for her anyway, but I am sure that my recent experience of being comforted did make me more ready to comfort someone else.

And that is the point of Paul’s admonition to the Corinthians. The comfort that we receive from God should spur us on to comfort others in their need. He doesn’t bless us just for our sakes, but also for the sakes of others.