The Knife

The knife has no memory. The knife knows no time. There is no time before the knife.

In the meridian of the moment when the knife cuts into flesh, everything changes for the worse. When the skin splits, it continues to split for a time. There is a rush of blood, pain, and inflammation. In its acute stages, it is traumatic and nearly unbearable, both experiences obviously varying based on the size of the cut.

Where there was once no perceived time, it becomes clear that there was definitely a time before the cut occurred, but this time is immeasurable, since the observation was only necessary after the cut.

The wounded now thinks only of the pain, and the memory of every sensation is immediately ingrained. However, time passes.

The blood, pain, and inflammation work in harmony to protect the wound. Blood shows all who can see it that trauma has occurred, which will lead to immediate action to cover the wound; pain will communicate the need for repair and will warn against direct contact with the wound; and, inflammation will further discourage interference, while preparing the wound for reparations.

Time is now seemingly slowed, which makes it, arguably, impossible to perceive. Nonetheless, it passes. The pieces have been put into place, beforehand, to heal the wound--it could be this very process which defines the passing of time.

The wounded don't need to ask to be healed. The best action they can take, therefore, is to expedite this naturally occurring process with proper nourishment and personal nurturing.

Healing takes place with time. However, the ultimate state of this healing will be determined by choices. The malnourished wound will heal, but unevenly; the well-nourished wound will heal, not only correctly, but the wounded area will be stronger than before the cut.

There are some wounds so great they will never fully heal. Time will only help those victims survive, as best they can.

To avoid the blade is wise. But cuts will still happen, either by accident or carelessness, because we know the knife is useful to separate what is needed from what isn't, and must be used.

It's ideal to live in a way which the knife should never be necessary. Yet, through the grace of our Savior, that same Jesus Christ, who lives, we can always heal. Because of Him, the knife is simply a knife.