Resting and recovering

On Tuesday I had a two hernias in my groin surgically repaired. My doctor did not know before surgery if she would be able to use an old C-section scar but when I woke up I discovered that is exactly what she did. I was thrilled because it will probably mean a quicker recovery time with only one incision and none in my groin. I was in surgery for 2 hours and then home about 3 hours later. The doctor will have the mass she removed biopsied for cancer but she told Sewell she did not think it was cancer. I was excited to hear that but I will be even more relieved once I get the lab results. I was a little nauseous the first day but since then I have only had to take 2 Ibuprofen. I must have a high tolerance for pain or I am healing very quickly. Probably a combination of both. The hardest part is just "resting and relaxing" as my dad always says. I am more of a doer than a sitter. I know I inherited that trait. I am getting all my "sitting" projects done and even watching a few movies and doing some reading.
These past few days I have read some passages from my devotions I want to share with you. L.B. Cowman says, "There is another kind of patience that I believe is harder to obtain-the patience that runs. Lying down during a time of grief, or being quiet after a financial setback, certainly implies great strength, but I know of something that suggests even greater strength-the power to continue working after a set-back, the power to still run with a heavy heart, and the power to perform your daily tasks with deep sorrow in your spirit. This is a Christlike thing. Many of us could tearlessly deal with our grief if only we were allowed to do so in private. Yet what is so difficult is that most of us are called to exercise our patience not in bed but in the open street, for all to see. We are called upon to bury our sorrows not in restful inactivity but in active service-in our workplace, while shopping, and during social events-contributing to other people's joy. No other way of burying our sorrow is as difficult as this, for it is truly what is meant by running "with patience." Hebrews 12:1

During these past 2 years I wish I could have taken a "timeout" from life to grieve and process but time continued to march on with no regard for the state of my heart. Time did not stop when I was diagnosed with cancer, when my father-in-love died, or when my mother died. Time did not stop for additional mammograms, sonograms and biopsies to check once again for cancer.

Jesus knew what it was like to bear a mighty grief that was not shared or spoken. He knew what was ahead for him and yet he continued to do the work his Father had called him to do. He brought joy to the multitudes in the midst of his own silent suffering.

I believe there are those of you who are bearing a great amount of suffering right now. As you wait on Him each day, He will give you the strength and power to perform your daily tasks. His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness. He wants us to come to Him each and every day so He can fill us with himself. His presence will enable us to face whatever the day may hold.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned these past few years is how to pause long enough from my "Martha" tendencies to become a "Mary". Mary was the one who sat as Jesus feet while Martha bustled around cleaning the house and getting dinner ready. When you read this story in Luke 10:38-41 you will see that Jesus says Martha is worried and upset about many things and distracted with all her preparations. He tells Martha that Mary has CHOSEN the better part.

Each day you and I have a choice. We can stop all our busyness and come sit at Jesus' feet, or we can work our way through the day, never pausing to be filled and refreshed with His presence. It is a choice. This is the most critical choice you and I will make each day. What we choose will shape who we are. Do you take time to read your bible and pray before facing your day? Do you give the sorrows and burdens you carry to Him before leaving your house? Does His peace guard your heart and your mind? There will never be enough time to meet with God. The tyranny of the urgent will always try to dictate the use of your time. Be a Mary. CHOOSE WHAT IS BETTER. Then and only then will you be able to run with endurance the race that is set out for you, fixing your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of your faith. Hebrews 12:1-2.

May discipline, quietness, devotion and prayer be what you are known for. Let others draw strength from you as you draw strength from your heavenly Father.