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Stephanie Rische

Blogger and Writer: Capturing Stories of God's Grace

June 22, 2012

Why I’m Trying to Embrace the Cattle Prod

My friend Cheryl has three hobbies she’s passionate about: playing with her cat, Frisky; listening to music by Bebo Norman; and going to the doctor.

Cheryl was born with an extra 21st chromosome, commonly known as Down syndrome. She is also one of the most social, personable individuals I know. To know her is to be her friend. The moment you walk in the room, her whole face lights up in a huge grin. Not content to just sit next to you, she’ll likely take your hand and, with that wide smile of hers, say, “I like you.”

So I suppose it shouldn’t come as a surprise that she enjoys visits to the doctor. After all, everyone in the office knows her name, gives her attention, and ultimately has her best interests at heart. Although some parts of the visit may be painful, she knows that all this is necessary so she’ll feel better in the long run.

I was thinking about Cheryl when I came across these words in the last chapter of Ecclesiastes, King Solomon’s final collection of writings:

The words of the wise are like cattle prods—painful but helpful. Their collected sayings are like a nail-studded stick with which a shepherd drives the sheep.

—Ecclesiastes 12:11

Words of wisdom, as the wise Solomon knew, can be as painful as a cattle prod. Having someone speak truth into our lives can be as piercing, as uncomfortable, as being corralled by a shepherd, given a shot by a doctor.

Unlike Cheryl, I don’t like doctor visits. More often than not, I’d prefer to remain in blissful ignorance. If there’s no diagnosis, then there won’t be any uncomfortable prodding. And perhaps most of all, there’s no need for change.

I’m afraid I’m often the same way when it comes to words of truth and accountability too. I prefer to stay in my place of comfortable oblivion rather than subject myself to the cattle prod of wisdom.

Not long ago Cheryl had surgery to alleviate some chronic back pain she’d been dealing with. While she was recovering, a relative told her, “Now, Cheryl, you need to make sure you take care of yourself so you don’t have to have another surgery.”

A look of sheer disappointment fell over Cheryl’s face. She went into the corner by herself for a few minutes, arms folded as she pondered. Finally she returned to the living room, where her family was gathered.

“I thought about it,” she said, “and I decided I can get another surgery if I want to.”

Oh, Cheryl, if only I were more like you—more open to the cattle prod. I have a feeling I’d be healthier…and a whole lot wiser too.

 

I’ve taken the challenge of reading the Bible chronologically this year and tracing the thread of grace through it. These musings are prompted by my reading. I’d love to have you join me: One Year Bible reading plan.

8 Comments Filed Under: Scripture Reflections Tagged With: Accountability, Ecclesiastes, truth, wisdom
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About Stephanie

I think that glimmers of grace are all around us, and I'd love to share those stories with you. I hope you'll grab a cup of coffee and join me at StephanieRische.com.

Quote of the Week

“Some things have to be believed to be seen.”
—Madeleine L’Engle

Discussion

  1. alice Teisan says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Thanks Cheryl for your example. We need your example and what an amazing example you are. I don’t know you but after reading this post I feel like I do.

    Reply
  2. Lynn Rische says

    June 22, 2012 at 2:02 pm

    Stephanie, these are wonderful!! Thank you for sending what you did, and directing me to your blog. Your writing is both inspired and inspiring! You need to turn them into a book! Know any good publishers? (:

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      June 23, 2012 at 3:11 pm

      Hi Aunt Lynn! Thanks for finding me in the blog world! Thanks for the kind words. It was fun to see you a few weeks ago!

      Reply
  3. Maggie says

    June 22, 2012 at 4:41 pm

    Perfect timing for this post, Steph. I forwarded it to a friend who just announced that she is having a second surgery and is understandably dreading it. I loved Cheryl’s comment!

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      June 23, 2012 at 3:12 pm

      Thanks, Maggie. I love the way Cheryl always gets me to think about things in a different way.

      Reply
  4. Nancy Rische says

    July 4, 2012 at 9:13 pm

    I am not always good at speaking truth to others even when it is necessary. It is a gift to know the balance of truth and silence. I often pray for wisdom in this area.

    Reply
    • Stephanie Rische says

      July 5, 2012 at 7:52 am

      Thanks for being such a faithful blog reader, Nancy! Glad you’re back. 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Imago Dei « Stephanie Rische says:
    January 29, 2013 at 8:19 am

    […] Not long ago I was having lunch at my friend Luann’s house with our friends Cheryl and Heather. Cheryl has faith of the purest variety, and she radiates joy in a way I can only dream of. She also happens to have Down syndrome. (For more about Cheryl, read this story.) […]

    Reply

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