The thoughts of lessons learned often accentuate childhood memories. It’s fun to recall youthful antics and see their impact. One funny story from my childhood featured a failed cartwheel and an odd diagnosis: rigor mortis! That silly moment remains a reminder to check facts, keep learning, and seek truth.
Family Time
Every meal at home was a squeeze—eight of us packed around a table built for six. Elbows bumped, knees knocked, and the scent of Mom’s wonderful home-cooked meal mingled with our chatter about the day. Those dinners gave us more than food—they were daily gifts of God’s grace where we built deep connections, gained wisdom, and grew our faith together.
One night, after a cartwheel mishap left me with a sore wrist, I learned a lesson I’ve never forgotten. Maybe you’ve had simple moments like that, when something small teaches you big things. Those unexpected “rigor mortis” moments often start in ordinary places, just like our dinner table.
That evening, I awkwardly ate with my left hand (I’m very right-handed). Dad noticed and asked what was wrong. I told him I had hurt my wrist. He paused and then, with a totally straight face, stated, “Hmmm, that sounds like rigor mortis to me.”
If you know my Dad, he’s a master of teasing. He’s always been my hero, so I believed him without hesitation: “Oh! I guess that’s what it is!”
Truth Revealed
As laughter erupted around the table, I realized that Dad was joking. My family still loves to tease me about that gullible little girl and her unforgettable vocabulary lesson. Even today, they’ll sometimes ask how my ‘rigor mortis’ is holding up.
That night, Dad taught me not to accept things I didn’t understand unquestioningly, but to seek answers in the right place. Just as I flipped through Webster’s Dictionary to learn the definition of “rigor mortis,” Christians should measure everything against the truth in God’s Word.
Lessons that Stick
Life on our small farm offered many chances for my parents to teach life lessons. Dad’s practical teaching style mirrored Jesus’ approach with his disciples: both used everyday experiences to share deeper truths. In those moments, while the disciples learned, Jesus prayed for them to know the truth:
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 ESV
God’s truth is revealed in His Word—our ultimate source for answers. Around another crowded table, in another time and place, Jesus shared with His disciples that He Himself is “…the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 14:6). Indeed, perfect truth is found only in Jesus Christ.
The Challenge
Today, countless voices compete for our attention. Pause and consider which ones deserve your trust. Ask yourself: What do you accept without question? Not everything you hear—or even see—is true. Anchor your life in God’s truth. Make it a habit to seek answers in His Word—the Bible is your foundation, and the Holy Spirit your best teacher.
“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” Psalm 25:5
Cartwheels may no longer turn my world upside down—trying one now might result in more than a sore wrist! But life’s twists and turns still bring lessons. The Holy Spirit continues to use everyday moments to teach spiritual truths. I pray you look for those teachable moments and walk away with valuable lessons learned.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs