the splinter

A couple of weeks ago, while cleaning out the garage, I got a splinter. You know, the kind that's from polyurethane.........it killed. Took my breath away. But I squeezed and got out the little offending piece and was so relieved to be able to work without it rubbing on everything. But, strangely, later in the night the finger began to throb. I put on some antibiotic cream and a bandaid and went to bed. The next morning, the spot was red and pussy. And it HURT. A lot. And I saw another little piece of splinter. So, I squeezed it. OUCH. And out it popped. But it wasn't a little piece, it was over 1/4 inch long!!! I was stunned. And, relieved, of course. The pain was gone. RELIEF. Did I mention that this was quite awhile ago?
Today I was painting in my house. Pretty chocolate brown, in case you care. (Looks awesome, btw.) Finally, I was so tired, so sore and so messy that I decided a nice, long hot bath was in order. I have the greatest soaker tub ever. My nails were a mess. I had to dig the pretty chocolate color out from under my nails. And I noticed....a splinter!!! In the same place!!!! Being in the tub, I got it right out. It was rather calloused around it. I hadn't even noticed it. It's gone now. I think.
The whole experience got me thinking how easy it is to think we are done with dealing with a weakness or a pain......when in reality, it is still there and just hidden. In some cases it causes pain. In other cases it causes callouses. But the thing is that we have to be aware that it effects us. That it changes us. That sometimes it hurts us. And you never know when it will show up again. You just never know. But you don't have to freak out. You don't have to be worried. It will eventually be done. Be brave. Leave it behind. But don't just leave it in there when it rises to the surface. You'll be miserable longer.
blessings,
rhonda