Friday–February 10, 2023. The day began as usual, but the activities were quite different. No coffee. No water. No breakfast. Preparations for the long-awaited knee surgery had begun.
Arrival at the hospital brought with it a mix of uncertainty and relief.
Then came the needle. Some folks can watch needles enter their bodies. I cannot. As the IV was administered, I looked away. The sting came and went, and now the wait. As I sat there–in the midst of all the commotion–I had a strange thought, “I’m the one going under.” It was just plain strange.
One nurse and doctor after another, and then I’m being moved to the operating room. Anesthesia kicked in. The surgery was over, and I was in a recovery room trying to get my words to align with my thoughts. We’re heading home after one Dr. Pepper, two Nutrigrain bars, and one peanut butter cracker packet later.
The road to recovery will not be easy, but it will be simple. It will undoubtedly be complex, but it will not be complicated. We’ll see how I’m doing in a year. In the meantime, there are some lessons I’m learning from this ordeal…
How Does This Apply To Us Today?
- Our bodies…
- They were not meant to break down... mankind was made in God’s image to multiply upon the earth and, in so doing, bring His image to bear in every sphere around them (Genesis 1:26-28).
- However, they do break down because of sin… the entrance of sin opened the door to death and decay (Genesis 3:19).
- Nevertheless, they will be restored one day, never to break down again… In His glorified body, Jesus–through His life, death, and resurrection–provides the object of hope that His followers will be like Him (1 Corinthians 15) with resurrected perfect bodies.
- Therefore, we run (walk, stroll, dance, etc.) through the journey of life with…
- Perseverance: “And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5
- Discipline: “…I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” 1 Corinthians 9:27
- Hope: “Yet those who wait for the Lord Will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” Isaiah 40:31
- Our families…
- When Jennifer and I said, “…in sickness and in health…” we experienced the test of those words together and, as a result, deepened our love for each other.
- When my parents arrived to care for my children and help around the house pre- and post-surgery, I felt their love for their son.
- Therefore, I praise God for my family!
God help us all as we journey through this life with bodies that can sometimes disappoint. Amen. Amen.
— February 16, 2023