Over the past several weeks I have been
overwhelmed by what feels like an endless supply of joy.
This joy has redirected my message such that I must share with you some
of my experiences.
I have had back trouble for several years. This latest setback finally resulted in surgery. Thank Heavens! I must make this clear, there is pain and suffering all around, in many forms. In comparison, my situation is minor, but God’s work on and within me has been major.
When surgery was scheduled, I was relieved, because an end was in sight. At the same time, I was a little freaked out. How was I, a stay at home mom, a domestic engineer if you will, going to survive six weeks of inactivity? A more disturbing question, how was my husband going to survive six weeks of me being inactive?
After surgery my doctor presented me with a “To Do List” and a “Do Not Do List”. My “To Do List” was simple: rest, simple exercise while in bed, and start walking, progressing up to two miles. My “Do Not Do List” was also clear: no bending, sitting, lifting, reaching, driving, or riding in a car. This domestic engineer was going on vacation. In addition, the loss of my sweet two year old during the day. Life and my spirits dropped to a new low.
Miraculously, when I arrived home I was no longer emotionally down. I truly felt the power of prayers. God used phone calls, letters, meals and visits to reveal his grace. Grace that had been present all the time!
Wow! I have been so happy, and best of all God has shown me a much better “To Do List”: daily Bible reading, meaningful devotions, and a ton of prayer. I am playing Yahtzee like crazy with my kids, and I am sure God will allow a few sappy chick flicks. God’s “To Do List” is and has been simply amazing. What I now realize is His “To Do List” has been there all along.
I read God’s Word before, but never daily and with a spirit of obedience. I have realized that we are full of excuses as to why we don’t have time for God’s “To Do List”, with so few good reasons. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This is true. God is always there. His love is never ending. I am so thankful for all that He has done.