6.) HAVE AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us to, “give thanks in all circumstances . . .” The day after I met with my surgeon and found out I had a 4 month recovery process ahead of me I grabbed a notebook and started making a list. I filled the page as I wrote down all the things I had to be thankful for - timing, transportation, medical care, circumstances, care providers, and a supportive family to name a few. On the days that an attitude of gratitude has been challenging a friend or family member has gently (and not so gently when needed) reminded me of the many things I have to be thankful for in the midst of my current situation.
7.) TAKE CARE OF THE TEMPLE. I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit . . . Therefore honor God with your bodies.” If I had taken better care of my body before the accident – healthy diet, weight and exercise – this would have physically been a much easier experience. I have one body to carry me through this life. How healthy or unhealthy I am is up to me.
8.) FOLLOW DIRECTIONS. From the moment of injury a wide variety of people suddenly had a say in where I went, what I did and how I got there. I was left with two choices. To trust that the experts were right or to decide that Robin knew what was best for Robin. I chose to trust the experts and followed every direction I was given to the letter. I cannot remember ever applying myself so diligently to anything the way I have to recovering from this injury. That discipline allowed me to get out of the monster brace in week 8 instead of week 10. Thank you Jesus!
9.) WALK BEFORE YOU RUN. Getting out of the monster brace early, however, taught me another important lesson. I have to learn to walk again before I can run. Easier said than done when you haven’t walked for 9 weeks. Muscles atrophy, neuro nets are lost, mechanics are forgotten and coordination becomes a thing of the past. I left physical therapy in tears today because I could not figure out how to walk correctly using crutches with both feet on the ground. A door has been opened with the removal of the monster brace. I can shower, do stairs, drive short distances, sit normal in a chair for short periods of time and sleep in my own bed. But other doors are still closed. I cannot do any of the above for long periods of time. I cannot cook or get my own meal, do laundry, run errands, go for a walk, or resume my normal work schedule. I literally have to learn to walk (correctly) and rebuild muscle before I can run.
10.) GIVE GOD THE GLORY. There is chorus from a childhood song I used to sing (with hand motions, of course) that went like this:
Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory.
Rise and shine and give God the glory, glory.
Rise. And. Shine. And. Give God the glory, glory.
Children of the Lord.
I want people to see God at work in my life. I want Him to receive the credit for all that He does in and through my life. This journey I am on? Getting this far? All God. Having an attitude of gratitude – way beyond me on the toughest days. Taking care of the temple – rhubarb is in season (enough said). Following directions – hard, frustrating and difficult. Walking before I run – leaves me in tears. Giving God the glory – my only option because He is the only reason I have made it this far.
Precious Father – To you be all glory and honor and power forever. Amen!