Fathers Pain

It was time for the County Fair once again but this year it looked like Mark may not be going along with the rest of the family. His physical disability of more than 13 years had been causing much more pain in his legs than usual, but as the day approached and after constant prayer the discomfort eased and some mobility returned.

Arriving at the fair and climbing from the car, Mark found his cane being thrust into his hand by his caring wife. "Will I need it?" He queried.
"Maybe not now but you will later" She told him. He took the cane knowing that his wife was right, the walk around the fair was going to take all the strength and effort he could muster, but for now he shouldered the cane as would a soldier his rifle, and set off on his own personal endurance course.

At last the journey around the fair was completed and the family made their way back to the car but by now Marks cane was having to take most of his weight, each step being so painfully slow.  They arrived home and Mark had to rest. He sat in his armchair with his feet elevated and waited for the inevitable onslaught of pain. He didn't have to wait long and for the next several hours he was almost delirious with the agony that tortured his body.

A couple of days later I asked Mark, "Was it really worth it, all that pain?"
"Listen," he said, "the day after the fair my daughter said to me, 'I'm very proud to have you as my father and I wouldn't trade you for anything. Thank you for always being there and thank you for putting up with me. I love you more than I can ever express'." He paused for a moment and then continued. "The pain was such a small price to pay for those wonderful words of love...in fact," he went on, "for those words, I could love the pain that came".

The next time you want to thank our Lord for the pain he suffered for us, say these words.

and you may hear Him reply, "I could love the pain that came"