Posted by Lately I have had time to think about a lot. Here I am, 1 week post-op, recovering from surgery (Hysterectomy – there we go, see…I am not afraid to say that word aloud). There is the faith needed in putting your trust into a team of amazing experts, who look after you and keep you breathing. Allowing beautiful hospital staff to do lots for you, and realising that your independent self is not so independent right now, and so it is ok to let others do things for you. Understanding the glares from your husband when you attempt to empty the dishwasher, or look like you are going to make your own cup of tea. Seeing your son walk to you with a clenched fist with one of your tulips picked from the garden, because ‘that will make you feel better’. I am blessed. I am sore and exhausted, but blessed.
Sometimes we need to be kind to ourselves. Sometimes we just need to unplug from the world for a bit (longer than just an hour or two). Sometimes we need stillness and quietness to allow our thoughts to float and to listen to them for a bit. Often God steps into those moments of stillness, quietness and forced contemplation. Often He takes those opportunities to speak the most, and remind you that He is right beside you.
So far these are the things I have learned:
- Stay hydrated. Water is your friend.
- When you feel like sleep, your body is trying to tell you it needs sleep. Listen to it.
- You heal better when your pain is under control as you are more relaxed.
- Tri-pillows are the best. Actually your own bed is AMAZING!
- Foods full of fibre (especially kiwifruit), and cranberry juice are your other best friends.
- If your beautiful neighbour offers to take your kids for the afternoon…take it! Get a coffee, get out of the house if you can.
- Your large Main Coon cat walking over you in the night is not fun.
- Dreams whilst on Tramadol are also not fun.
- It is amazing how much a couple of deep belly breaths can lift your oxygen levels (when the nurse frowns as you). Deep breathing is amazing for your body, especially your brain.
- Catheters are interesting. So much drinking and no getting out of bed!
- Don’t rush through your day, enjoying the small pleasures (like coffee on the porch) can lift your spirits.
- Laughter is good, but only after about 3-4 days post op!
- Stop the sneeze before it gets you! If you get hay fever, schedule your op for winter!
- Find the humorous side of things.
- The picked tulip did actually brighten up your bedside!
- You also have a part to play in your healing. Think positively and do things that are best for you.
God desires us to be healed and whole, so we can fulfil his purposes here on earth. And whilst we may not be healed from all our ills, there are beautiful purposes being fulfilled that we may never know about until we come face to face with our creator. Sometimes healing will only come on that day when Jesus comes back for us and promises to make us whole again, never to be sick again. And sometimes the healing mentioned in the Bible is more of a spiritual healing of our spirits than our physical bodies. The devil has made this world a sick, painful place. But I am thankful that God will not leave us here in this place, but in time his plan of Salvation will come to fruition. He promises healing far beyond overcoming the common cold. he promises healing that will mean we will never be sick again and never ever be in pain again. I like to keep my eyes on that vision because it is eternal healing. Far more reaching and permanent than the temporary healing that my body is doing right now. Thank you Jesus for being bruised so I could be eternally healed.
Some promises that have come to my mind lately…
2 Kings 20:5
This is what the Lord says: “I have heard your prayer and seen your tears. I will heal you.”
Psalm 103:2-5
Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies,
Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Psalm 30:2-3
LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me. O LORD, You brought my soul up from the grave; You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.
Isaiah 53:4-5
Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
Psalm 41:3
The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.
Psalm 30:2
O LORD my God, I cried out to You, And You healed me.
Romans 8:11
But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
James 5:13-15
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
I found this beautiful little prayer for healing, but was unable to find who wrote it.
Lord, you created me.
My body is sick now
And perhaps my soul, too.
Please heal me, renew me.
Repair the body You had made.
Refresh the soul
You created for eternal existence.
You alone know how to restore my health,
For you created me.
Make my whole again
So that I may live my life for You.
Amen
Life by the Word 