06.20.19. Two surgeries in three days. This is my momma. Originally, we had spaced out the surgeries over a couple of weeks to allow for healing and the courage to walk into another surgery center.
Life happens. When it does, it sends out ripple effects in all directions tossing everyone in their dinghies. Some go overboard and some lower their center of gravity, hold on and roll with it. I would like to think my family has become quite adept at managing dinghy tossing waves. This week has been an ocean full of rolling waves and we are still in the boat!
We do extra things for our family members that we may not ask others to do, because we are family. And, because we are family we make room, make time, make allowances with or without gracious intentions.
For the days of both surgeries, Momma and I strategically coordinate our departure based on weather, location and traffic patterns, because one of the surgeries is on the other side of Nashville during drive-time. Then, there is the follow-up appointment on the day between both surgeries. And, my hubby makes the decision to travel to be with dear friends for the final service of a loved one. These friends are like family to us and one of us was going to be there to show our love. This means I am on-point for the transportation and care-giving for these three days.
The first surgical procedure is a snap with almost immediate results. We feel good with the direction the current pulls our dinghy. The second procedure is painful. There's no immediate reward. There's only a projected slow recovery with medications and stitches and gauze. In a way, our dinghy feels stalled and tossed at the same time, because other decisions have to be made. There's that ripple effect mentioned earlier. But, it's family and we love our family.
In 1 Timothy 5:8, Apostle Paul gets really focused in the letter as he admonishes young Preacher Tim regarding taking care of family members, "If a widow has family members to take care of her, let them learn that religion begins at their own doorstep and that they should pay back with gratitude some of what they have received. This pleases God immensely."
With a zing he adds a stinger, "Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That's worse than refusing to believe in the first place."
Point taken. To that end, I believe it's time to administer Momma's afternoon meds ...with extra care.
Are you still in your dinghy? Let me know.
Life happens. When it does, it sends out ripple effects in all directions tossing everyone in their dinghies. Some go overboard and some lower their center of gravity, hold on and roll with it. I would like to think my family has become quite adept at managing dinghy tossing waves. This week has been an ocean full of rolling waves and we are still in the boat!
We do extra things for our family members that we may not ask others to do, because we are family. And, because we are family we make room, make time, make allowances with or without gracious intentions.
For the days of both surgeries, Momma and I strategically coordinate our departure based on weather, location and traffic patterns, because one of the surgeries is on the other side of Nashville during drive-time. Then, there is the follow-up appointment on the day between both surgeries. And, my hubby makes the decision to travel to be with dear friends for the final service of a loved one. These friends are like family to us and one of us was going to be there to show our love. This means I am on-point for the transportation and care-giving for these three days.
The first surgical procedure is a snap with almost immediate results. We feel good with the direction the current pulls our dinghy. The second procedure is painful. There's no immediate reward. There's only a projected slow recovery with medications and stitches and gauze. In a way, our dinghy feels stalled and tossed at the same time, because other decisions have to be made. There's that ripple effect mentioned earlier. But, it's family and we love our family.
Before I read today's devotional in the EMBRACED book, I asked God for a quick nugget in my noggin that would partner with Lysa TerKeurst's thoughts. I penciled the following whisper of gold into my journal: Caring well for others reflects the love of God in our own hearts.
In the Day 20 devo, Lysa recalls the focused attention of one young reporter (with a very public family) who interviewed the TerKeurst Family observing, "She stayed present in that role alone." Instantly, my brain picked up where God's golden nugget dropped.
Schedules rearranged while maintaining other plans. Additional trips into town and back. Meals changed. All are waters to navigate, this week, to stay present in my role as a family member caring for a member of my household.
...
In 1 Timothy 5:8, Apostle Paul gets really focused in the letter as he admonishes young Preacher Tim regarding taking care of family members, "If a widow has family members to take care of her, let them learn that religion begins at their own doorstep and that they should pay back with gratitude some of what they have received. This pleases God immensely."
With a zing he adds a stinger, "Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That's worse than refusing to believe in the first place."
Point taken. To that end, I believe it's time to administer Momma's afternoon meds ...with extra care.
Are you still in your dinghy? Let me know.
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