Being Weak

I'm starting our visit this morning with my favorite picture of the week. This gal has been totally supportive; postponing her own troubles, thoughts, and anxieties. The yard, cabin, and flower pictures I'm using this morning are kudos to her for everything she does around our home. Thanks for the picture Emily.

Last Monday I was admitted to Mahaska Hospital for the first time since I had left this same hospital as a new born baby 69 years ago. I had surgery to remove a cancerous mass that was growing both on the inside and outside of the colon.

Just before the four and a half hour surgery Dr Jesse, myself, and a physician's assistant prayed together.

When we talk to God He doesn't promise to remove all our struggles. He does however promise to be the strong One. He says in the Bible, "My grace is all you need. And My power is made perfect in your weakness". II Corinthians 12. I'd like to highlight a few blessings I received this week as a result of God's presence. God's power. God's purpose. And my weakness.

The most obvious is allowing and watching others be blessed by giving and caring when one is weak.

There is a tenderness that can occur when one is weak that doesn't always happen when we feel and act strong.

There is a more intense noticing of others and their serving and caring when one is weak.

There is a total satisfaction of watching others step up and make things happen, knowing with my current limitations, I have no one to please, and can rest. Thanks for the picture Kasey.

There is a more intense gratitude to God and others. I walked the hospital halls. Occasionally I'd stop in a fellow patient's room. Just a word of encouragement and an offer to pray. 100% of the time a hand would reach for mine. I wasn't a strong healthy family member or friend. I wasn't a strong nurse or doctor providing care. I was a fellow, weak, hurting, patient with the same gown on they had.

Will I be strong again? I'm planning on it, Lord willing. I'm still waiting on lab results from the lymph nodes around the surgery. Joshua was 80 or close to it when God had him take the Israelites across to the promised land. And He told Joshua to be strong and courageous 3 times in one visit.

What about Jan? She had a more detailed MRI this week. And has appointments with brain surgeons out of town in the coming month.

Thanks for your dozens of visits. Thanks for your hundreds of spoken and written words. And thanks for your multitude of prayers on our behalf. All are felt and truly appreciated.