Don't Rush Recovery

Yesterday I drove Gene to Omaha for his first post-op check up with the surgeon and also physical therapy. He had an x-ray done and all 6 screws are in place doing what they're supposed to be doing. He had a fusion done so it's as if the doctor cemented his 2 bottom discs together. Makes me squirm just looking at my bionic man.

On the drive to Omaha Gene verbalized the questions he wanted to ask the doctor...

~Can I drive now?

~What can I do for exercise?

~Can I go back to work yet?

The doctor answered the back to work question without even being asked. NO. Come back in 6 weeks so we can see your progress. Back fusion surgery is some serious stuff and Gene has to be wise and listen to the surgeon's instruction so that he can heal properly. He was warned pre-op that if he didn't follow the post-op instructions that he may have to go back under the knife again. Even though he knew the recovery would be lengthy, he was still bummed that he couldn't return to a life without restrictions.

The other two questions he forgot to ask until we were checking out with the receptionist. So he headed back to the nurses' station to find the doctor and returned like a little boy in a candy store who was told to pick out whatever he wants.

YES. He can drive. He was so excited! As we were standing there he jokingly said, "Woman, I don't need you anymore." The two ladies sitting behind the desk just gasped and then started laughing as I nonchalantly told Gene to tie his shoes.

Still needs me.

My husband is an athlete and this lack of mobility and restraint on certain movement is just driving him crazy. He wants to be able to mow the lawn...now. He wants to return to his job...now. He wants to run on the treadmill...now. But after the surgeon looked at his x-rays and saw the inside of his body he said...not yet.

I think God does the same thing with us. He wants us to change so He performs the surgery on us and then gives us His post-op instructions through His Word. Sometimes I tend to get anxious during my recovery and I want to be trusted with things sooner than what God has in mind. If He gave me all that I wanted when I wanted it, I just may end up back on the surgery table.

Just like the x-rays gave Gene's doctor a view of his recovery progress, our Savior has a bird's eye view of our heart and what's in it. It's so important for us to check with the Surgeon first and see if our desires match up with His post-op plan for our life. Sometimes a "not yet" answer is for our own good.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

God tells us that when we pray and seek Him with all our heart that we will be heard and He will be found. Gene wanted to drive home yesterday, but he sought out the doctor first and asked if it was okay before getting behind the wheel.

When God gives us a "yes" answer or even a "not yet" reply, because we sought Him first before we acted, we'll be just like Gene was yesterday when he drove me back to Lincoln...

filled with complete joy.

~Many Blessings~