Here at Lulu’s Musings the majority of posts have to do with Maine, travel, food and tablescapes, fun stuff that I enjoy sharing. Every now and then, however, I have to share words about something that invades my thoughts and won’t let go like this line from Richard Rohr’s book Radical Grace:
What we love the most often gives us the greatest pain.
I read that sentence again and again, each time being hit with a new thought. Among the first was of family and friends and the mutual pain we may have caused one another. That is the worst kind of pain, the kind we least want to experience.
While my first thoughts may have been ones about relationships, they went immediately to other areas where what we love causes uncomfortable pain. More and more I’m realizing that the physical activities that I have loved for years are leaving pain in their wake.
I love tennis, but these days I know that when a hard match is over I am going to feel joints tightening up and will need an extra dose of Aleve to soften the pain. The same is true following a session of yoga or pilate’s where there are moves that don’t come so easily any more. Even taking long walks can sometimes be a challenge. Mention any physical discomfort and the response is, “Well, that’s what happens as you get older.” Age seems to be what is blamed for so much of what causes pain, and I rebel against that notion every day.
In no area of my life do I want what I love to cause pain, either mental or physical, yet I’m keenly aware that what Richard Rohr says is true. How I wish it weren’t so! Is it the same for you?
i so appreciate your visit and especially the comments you leave behind
Lulu's Musings 
I know what you mean – I’ve invested in a kneeler so that my knees do not protest so much when I work in the garden. I’m actually thinking of hiring someone for the first time to do the bulk of spring clean up for me. Beyond that, to love anything or anyone is to open yourself to pain, at a minimum because of the possibility of loss.
I had never thought about it, but you and Richard Rohr are absolutely right. Thank goodness, we also have the memories of “what we love the most” bringing us so much joy!
No truer words ever spoken…but with that also comes some our greatest joys!! Great post
How very right you are, Tina. I guess joy and pain combine in life’s experience.
Thoughtful and interesting, that is something I’m going to continue to ponder the next couple of days, not something I can wrap my mind around in a single sitting.
Linda, I have so noticed that physically I can’t do what I once did, and that leaves me kicking and screaming! I have been a runner a good part of my life, but now I am more of a walker! But I feel so blessed to be able to do that! I just hope to age with grace! Happy Wednesday!
Ah yes, aging with grace is what we hope for. I’m trying!
A lifetime of sport and exercise have left me in good stead to enjoy my harvest years watching other people play hard….whilst I write, cook, take pictures and make films as and when I like ….never been more content:)
I, too, am content with what is a very wonderful life, but, dang, that doesn’t dispel the aches and pains.
Yes, heart pain is definitely harder to bear than physical pain. You can’t take Aleve for that. I always imagined that I would feel fit as a fiddle as I grew older, but there are definitely days when I feel my age .
I like your term “heart pain’ which is a perfect description.
Oh I agree, it always shocks me when I can not do something, or it is REALLY hard, when I could do the same thing easily years ago. I do have to say that physical pain seems easier to bear then the pain of something from a relationship. That is “heart pain”. That’s what I call it.
How right you are. The physical pain generally goes away while the other lingers.
Yes, I can relate. I suffer more from the relational pain then from the physical pain I feel after mowing the lawn, pulling weeds, vacuuming or our daily walks. With the physical pain I sit down put my feet up have a nice drink and wait for things to feel better. The emotional doesn’t feel better when I sit down etc. etc.
Emotional pain is very hard to get rid of. There’s no pill for that.
Lets just say I’m with you on that Lulu. While I still exercise, it doesn’t come as easily as it used too. Ah the family relationships they are painful, frustrating and loving – how does all that get rolled up under the same heading? Perhaps because we are family.
Thanks for reminding me we ARE family no matter what.
I can relate….my mind and heart is in my twenties and my body….well let’s just say it is not like when I was 20!!
I may have moved on from thinking 20’s!