I HURT, you HURT… Amen
Now that my wife and I are well into our 60s, our daily routine includes an informal version of a little game I call…
‘I HURT, You HURT, Amen’.
It is a simple game that anyone can play, but it is really geared for those over 65 because… after 65 EVERYTHING HURTS.
It works great for married couples, but it can also be played in a group setting. The key is you should play with people who now have more aches and pains than exploits.
The following is a basic example of how to play… Remember, misery loves company
I HURT, YOU HURT, AMEN!
HOW TO PLAY THE GAME
DECLARING THE ‘I HURTS’ -
HUSBAND: Moans as he gets out of bed in the morning, and declares, “My back is really bad today, and I have no idea why.”
- without acknowledging husband’s pain, the wife counters with something like this…
WIFE: ”I didn’t sleep a wink last night. I could not turn my brain off, and now I have a horrible migraine”.
Note: She did sleep, or else it was the dog snoring. just sayin’
NEXT, the husband is now allowed an additional ‘I HURT’ redirect.
HUSBAND: “Argh, my hearing aids are plugged with wax. I can’t hear anything in my right ear!” — all while the wife can hear it whistling
Note: wax is not exactly an ‘I HURT’ physical pain, but trust me, ear wax plugging hearing aides is a real pain in the you know what.
NEXT, the wife is allowed her final follow-up ‘I HURT’ declaration
WIFE: “I can tell it’s gonna rain today cuz the arthritis in my hands and my right big toe is acting up.”
Note: ok, I am sure she hurts, but no one is dying
MOMENT OF SILENCE -
After both husband and wife have completed their two allotted I HURTS, there should be a moment of silence (15-60 seconds). No longer lest we be tempted to pile on additional legitimate "I HURTS."
THE READING OF GOD’S WORD -
Next, we read from God’s Word to gain perspective on Pain.
HUSBAND: reads Genesis 17:24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised,
WIFE: reads Genesis 21:2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to 100-year-old Abraham, while Sarah was 90!
FINAL REFLECTIONS OF A GRATEFUL HEART -
This is followed by a 30-60 second moment of silence, after which the husband and wife, with renewed grateful hearts, realize… Ya-know, I think I am actually feeling pretty pretty good…. and husband and wife declare in unison
“Stinks to be you, Abraham & Sarah… AMEN.”
CONCLUSION -
If you are a man, no matter how much you hurt, be thankful you are not 99-year-old wincing Abraham.
If you are a woman, no matter how much you hurt, be thankful you are not a 90-year-old expecting Sarah.
If you keep this in mind, EVERYONE IS A WINNER.
Ok, Ok, seriously now…
We can’t stop getting older, and typically, age brings more aches and pains, but without playing the "I hurt, you hurt" game, I am grateful for this life of 68 years and counting. I still don’t like pain, but
I am thankful to God for the many stages of life, including my almost 42 years of marriage to my bride, Mary.
Mary, on the other hand, may now and then declare me a BIG PAIN IN THE NECK for one of her ‘I HURT’ declarations.
May God bless each of you today,
no matter your stage of life, or level of pain.
Remember, God is good all the time, while Ibuprofen is good for about 4 hours. Three cheers for all of us in the 'I HURT' club—may we keep laughing, loving, and leaning on the One who carries our burdens.
Jeff (achy breaky back) Larson
SHARE BELOW in the comments section anI HURT comment you (not restricted to those 65 and older) would like to make, but no one is listening to, and/or you NEED PRAYER for.
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