Wellness

by Nancy Boyle


Jesus-at-the-wellDoing relational bible studies in the gospel of John all these years has provided many learning challenges and still does. Questions from John like “Who sinned?”, “Where were you when my brother died?”, “How will we feed these people?”, and “What are you looking for?” have opened up my own life story.

Do You Want to be Well?

The question from John’s gospel that confronts me these days is, “Do you want to be well?”. Over the years I have been rather hard on this man in John 5. He seems to lack initiative and blames others for his situation-- “Poor me”, his actions seem to say. But energized by his encounter with Jesus and the challenge of his question, “Do you want to be well?”, we soon find him carrying his pallet and walking. Later Jesus confronts him with the command, “Stop your sinning.” Might sinning mean accepting responsibility for his own health?

I have not walked without assistance for two years, and I am completely dependent on others to meet my daily needs. Do I want to be healed? OF COURSE! But I am slowly discovering that wellness is different from healing. Wellness is a choice. Each day I can choose thanksgiving over pity. I can ask for eyes to see the beauty, love, and kindness that surround me. I can look for ways to affirm and support others and say the words if I can’t do the acts. On these days, my heart sings and I feel WELL. I am trying to practice Paul’s admonishment to the Colossians: “In everything give thanks!” Hard as this is sometimes, it does seem to work and can change my negative attitude.

I also resonate with this prayer from The Book of Common Prayer by Tes Serres: “This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do so patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me Jesus’ spirit of thanksgiving.

None of this would have been possible without the patience and love of Mac Boyle, my husband of 62 years. His call, thank God, is to care for me. I have been most blessed. This certainly helps me choose wellness!

You older readers know how the aches, pains and limitations can frustrate even the most spiritual among us. The good news is that we have the power to choose our attitude and renew our commitment to God’s call in our lives. Choosing to be well is our call; what follows are opportunities for loving others as we get the spotlight off of ourselves. God is always more!


Nancy Boyle was a relational Bible teacher and member of the Elder Council of Lumunos. She passed away in 2010.