Recently, I've been suffering from terrific pain after a fall, and I've learned there is a temptation to feel sorry for ourselves and make others miserable by complaining. It helped me to remember that, in what must have been unbearable pain on the cross, Christ didn't complain, but asked God to bless others.

On July 4, after a delightful lunch at the lakeshore home of my son and daughter-in-law, Ralph and Jackie Mohney, I turned too quickly and bell on their screened-in porch. The pain was immediate and intense. I knew, even before the MRI, that something had happened to my back. It was a fracture, but with faith, determination, directions from a fine doctor and pain medication, I've been able to continue many of my usual activities.

Last Saturday, for example, I wondered if I would be able to make it to Sunday School and worship the following day and teach the lesson I was preparing. Thankfully, the kindness of family and friends brought encouragement to my spirit.

On Sunday morning, when doubt entered my mind, I thought of Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." I knew that I didn't have a choice about the pain - it was a constant - but I did have a choice about where I'd go and what I'd do.

I could have pain alone in my bedroom on Northbridge Lane, or I could have pain while teaching Sunday School and worshipping at First-Centenary United Methodist Church. I chose the church.

It was a good decision. I didn't look so good or sound as good as usual, but I made it, and God was with me. I silently gave thanks for God's promise: "I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Hebrews 13:5).

Contact Nell Mohney at nellwmohney@comcast.net.