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Whenever my grandchildren fall, get hurt or have a splinter, they react the same way. They cry for help, but when help arrives, they hold the injured part of their body away from me, rather than put it closer to me so that I can deal with the problem. It always takes a few minutes to convince them that I can really help them to feel better if they simply sit still and let me see the problem. You have to get close to someone to bandage their wounds.

But it’s not just my grandchildren. I do that, too. When I get a splinter, I hesitate to let my husband come near me with a tweezer or worst yet, a pin that he has held next to a flame or doused with rubbing alcohol. (Neither of us has been to medical school and it shows.) Until I settle myself and let someone remove what’s hurting, I remain in pain.

But it’s not just physical pain. Offense, heartache, disappointment or grief can produce pain, but there is always help. I just have to know where to go. Psalm 147:3 states “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

I’m learning to let pain draw me closer to God. You have to get close to someone for them to bandage your wounds. I sit before Him and pour out my pain, tell Him where it hurts, and wait as His peace, comfort and joy become mine.

Ronny Michel can be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.