In my last newsletter, I mentioned I was
having a “laundry surgery hip replacement” (In by nine out by five) on February
7th. That part was correct. I went under the knife at 10 and was
home by 4:30! “Easy, peasy”, right? When I got home, I got out of the car and
walked to the mailbox, then walked down the street with the aid of a walker.
The next day I felt so good. I went to see my sister who was in the hospital across
town. I took a cane but used it as a twirling stick to kinda’ show off how good
I was doing. That was Friday. Well, Saturday dawned and, with it, reality set
in. Little did I realize but the past two days, I was still operating on the
nerve block and residual anesthesia. Yikes!
The past two weeks have been much more
difficult than the previous hip surgery I had in 2006! I am not sure but maybe
it has to do with the difference between being 60 and being 73. (Ya’ think!) Prior to my surgery, I bragged about how easy
hip replacement surgery was for me. I was “back in the game” in a few short
weeks. Well, this time around, I have been humbled. I have been much more
dependent on my sweet bride. I have been the proverbial “grumpy old man.” She
has been an angel of mercy to me.
I know, I know, this newsletter is supposed
to be a “no whining zone.” What I am
trying to say is that I have gleaned some positive lessons from these difficult
times.
During the first two days after surgery, I
wanted to show off how well I was doing, I even posted a video on Facebook of a
very elderly gentleman dancing slowly with his cane, then throwing them away
and really “cutting loose.” You know, I haven’t posted much on Facebook about
myself since. What is the saying “Pride goeth before the fall.”
It has been a long time since I have
experienced any kind of suffering. To
experience the ongoing levels of pain, the frustration of not being able to do
for myself, the very humbling situations I have been in while receiving assistance
from Peggy, in some small way brought me closer to the Cross. Just to get a
tiny, tiny glimpse of what our Lord experienced was a reminder to me. In my
deepest pain and frustration, crying out to the Lord seemed most natural after
all, He cried out to His Father! Why is
it that I do not seem to feel the need to call to him in the good times also?
Admitting my need for Peggy’s assistance
awoke me to my need to put aside my pride and arrogance, thinking I can handle
anything that comes my way on my own. I realize that I am totally dependent on
God for each breath I take, why not admit my pitifulness and surrender to Him.
This Just In:
I just got back from my post op appointment.
The doctor said two more weeks of no driving! What did I say about depending on
Peggy and others. Yikes. This is a hard “teachable moment”! I guess this was
just a little reinforcement!
Before the surgery I was all about telling
others about the importance of a positive attitude going into surgery. I did
that based on prior results. Well, I need to hear myself now. I have been whimpering
and whining for the last week and a half. To quote Cher in the movie
“Moonstruck” she told Nicholas Cage to “Snap Out Of It!” That’s what I need to do. God has allowed
this portion of my life to deepen my faith and understanding, so I just need to
“get over myself” and allow that God is working to further shape me into
Christ-likeness. Please pray for me.
(and Peggy!)
MINISTRY NEWS AND NEEDS
Please don’t forget! When you purchase
something from Amazon, please go to www.smile.amazon.com and put in Net Work Ministries, Inc. Amazon
contributes a portion of each sale to our ministry!
I have had the privilege of officiating the
funerals of mothers of two close friends this month. They were two very strong
women who loved Jesus and reared their sons very well.
Although it has been a surgery shortened
month I have had the chance to minister to several men.
Blessings and Gratitude to each of you, my
dear friends, for your encouragement, prayers and financial support. I never
take for granted your kindness.
No comments:
Post a Comment