As the result of some recent medical tests, I have come to find out that part of one knee is “internally deranged.” Always curious about anything medical, I wondered where else this diagnosis might apply. What other thoughts it might eventually generate.
If deranged denotes the generic misplacement or inappropriateness of something, I’m willing to accept that diagnosis as generally true about me. Perhaps as part of my upbringing as a Christ-follower, I’ve dealt with the possibility that parts of my identity are just a bit off-balance, unhinged or dislocated. I sometimes march to a variety of different drummers—among them Jesus, of course. I remember every day that I am called beyond my own needs or gratifications.
There are parts of my external self that are unstable, unbalanced or distressed. Perhaps like you, I have garnered my share of fleshy lumps, bruised muscles, gnarled appendages, crooked teeth and mystery-protuberances. In their growing derangement, my nose and ears are taking over my face. This probably has to do with growing older, so it’s all normal stuff….
The unsettled interior part of me actually enjoys some of the disruptive surprises in life. Although I may not always admit it, I appreciate my loving spouse and friends when they nudge me off my shaky egotistic pedestals. When I prattle along weirdly in Bible class, the good-hearted and settled participants tamp down the edges of my spiritual derangement. When in the company of other internally displaced folks, I enjoy our mutual attempts at humor and gratitude.
How are your interior derangements turning out, hmm? What’s wonderfully upset inside you? How are you taking advantage of the seemingly disordered elements of your life? And (beside Mr. Rogers, of course), who likes you just the way you are?
Count me among those who do….!
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