I survived. A little traumatized, perhaps, nonetheless I survived.
Medical testing needs to advance to the level of the scanner once flashed on classic episodes of Star Trek. You know: the kind where the Doc runs a device much like the handheld bar code readers of today up and down all the areas of your body that are amiss. Sure would save a bit o’ grief, a bit o’ money too.
Poop and pee tests are gross. So was the Lasix Renal Scan for me this past week when I decided NOT to be catheterized. Eeeeek! Jared, the nuclear radiology technician, was as nice as he could be and even said that I “looked fit!” How sweet! But inside this frail frame of mine are weak bones and an aching backside/kidney area for largely unknown reasons. I am sad. Just when I thought that a myriad of toxicities and stealth infections were my worst nightmare, it turns out that there are other complexities to explain why I feel so unwell. But hey, the Lord still appears to be orchestrating a mysterious journey through it all. And I lived through this last event to tell my story . . . again!
I’ll bet that Joseph as described in the book of Genesis knew everything there was to know about “survival.” Sold into slavery then rising to be the head of the Pharaoh’s (President’s) household was cast into a dungeon for years when falsely accused. He still acted righteously over and over again only to be forgotten until one day vindicated; he praised the Lord for the marvelous goodness that would come after his years of suffering. Joseph is a model for me of what it means to be a faithful steward of the experiences God allowed in his life. He did not lose heart, he kept going despite severe trials then gave glory to the Lord when good things happened. I want to be like Joseph. His words to his brothers who had started his torment were:
Genesis 50:20New International Version (NIV)
20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
And the Lord’s promise to His children are that one day:
Revelation 21:4 New International Version (NIV)
4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
I hope that someday my lessons from life will be centered more on the wonders of God’s creation in my garden and such than the saga of enduring a serious illness. Until that day I will not lose heart. Please don’t you lose heart either, Gentle Reader. God is still on the throne and will make “beauty from (our) ashes” one day. (They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor! Isaiah 61:3) Until then let’s look to the face of Jesus Christ who has promised to make all things new one day, one day soon. Truly this is our source of “hope beyond,” no? JJ
Jesus is for the Wounded 