Slowly Improving

I am frequently reminded:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:6-7)

This back pain is hanging on far too long.  My doctor has recommended physical therapy so I am scheduled to get started with that tomorrow.  Hopefully this will generate some faster healing.  I have been able to keep on top of the urgent items at home and the office but unable to make any progress on other things that need attention.  I have been blessed by friends that have stepped in to help me with yard work that was beginning to get out of hand with the lovely spring weather that we have been enjoying.

My doctor has me on a muscle relaxer that sure does relax me, but so far it does not seem to be doing much for my back pain.  The only positive effect is that I am able to sleep well.  This weekend I managed to log in some extra hours of sleep, so I do feel much more rested which is certainly a benefit.

I so much appreciate all of you that have called or written to let me know that you are praying.  You are a great encouragement!

Blessings,

Chuck

Endurance

These have been some rather challenging days with my back.  The days can get rather long, and the nights even longer, trying to find a position that produces minimum pain.  As I was reading the book of James, I felt like James was directing his comments directly at me:

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.  For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”  (James 1:2-3)

I had to stop and think about that for a bit and realize that is an interesting parallel… faith and endurance.  It didn’t minimize the pain but it did encourage me to press on, hopefully with joy, reminded that this discomfort actually can be of benefit…If I allow it to accomplish that purpose.

It was two weeks ago yesterday that I hurt my back so I would like the pain to be past, but that is not the case.  As the doctor had warned, it is taking more time.  While there are moments that it seems that I cannot endure any longer, I do believe that there is a bit of improvement.  So I am trying to focus on that light at the end of the tunnel and trust that my endurance will grow.

Fortunately I am able to spend a bit of time at the office each day and stay on top of the urgent issues.  But I have to admit that I have to let a few things, especially at home, slip.  Hopefully I can catch up in the near future.  As you can guess, I am making no progress in sorting and packing for the move.  Hopefully that will come in time.

I trust that you have each had a blessed week and will enjoy a wonderful weekend with family and friends.

Thanks so much for your encouragement.

Chuck

Patient Endurance

It was a great delight to have so many of the family members here with me.  While here, we celebrated Easter and had an Easter egg hunt for Ella.  Ella also celebrated her second birthday so we had a party for her and also a belated one for Laura.  I am thankful for all of the sorting and disposing of things that the kids accomplished.  Keith and Gavin were also a great help with the attic and doing some yard chores for me.  Now it is my job to finish the task!

 

While the family was here I twisted my foot/ankle which was rather uncomfortable.  After they left, I hurt my back and am having some rather major pain.  This morning I had an appointment with my doctor to review the Echo heart test that was done previously and check the foot and back pain.  I was pleased to learn that the Echo looks okay, and he feels that the foot/ankle and back will heal in time while using a back brace and administering pain meds.  WOW…what a relief to get those reports!

 

I am reminded of a verse that Carol had printed to encourage herself during her fight with cancer.  It is an appropriate one for me to focus upon too:  “Do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord, no matter what happens.  Remember the great reward it brings you.  Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will.  Then you will receive all he has promised.  (Hebrews 10:35-36)  I am working on my patient endurance.

 

The pain level is increasing as I sit up so I had better hit the bed again for a bit. Thanks so much for your friendship and prayers!

 Love, Chuck