March 19
God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds” feet, he makes me tread on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19
When I was awaiting my second hip replacement, I shuffled about with a cane, unable to move in the directions I wanted to. The pain was debilitating, complicated by other health limitations, and I wondered sometimes, how I was going to make it until the surgery date. A measure of frustration and anxiety existed along with the restrictions, and in the anticipation of the lengthy recuperation ahead. My dear husband, who saw me through multiple prior surgeries with gentle, dedicated, loving care, reassured me constantly, but I continued to worry about the long restrictive confinement. Thankfully we were not alone in this health struggle; we had family and friends willing to help in any way they could, in action and in prayer. In addition we had the skill of dedicated medical personnel. Who could have asked for more? How blessed to have had so much! Still I yearned to have my feet move swiftly, like those of a deer; to be able to climb stairs easily again; to have my strength back if it was God’s will. Knowing all too well how fortunate I was to have two legs to hopefully stand on once again, I looked forward with gratitude. That surgery was a success, thanks be to God!
Still I continue to pray for a return to good health, or at least to become stronger; to have the time here to enjoy the days ahead with my husband now retired, all our children and our five little grandchildren. At the same time I know that my requests may not be God’s will for me, but I continue to pray and to hope. From past experience, I have learned that much can be accomplished with many physical limitations and that everyone has challenges in one form or another. But most importantly I have learned that God does give us the strength we need to get through whatever we face! For although our physical bodies may not move as freely as we would prefer, with Him our spirits can fly like the feet of a deer; unrestrained and able to go in every direction desired, reaching higher and higher until they finds the Light that shines in everlasting joy.
Christ, our strength, give our spirits the swiftness of a deer so we may climb to heights we could never have imagined.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like hinds” feet, he makes me tread on my high places. Habakkuk 3:19
When I was awaiting my second hip replacement, I shuffled about with a cane, unable to move in the directions I wanted to. The pain was debilitating, complicated by other health limitations, and I wondered sometimes, how I was going to make it until the surgery date. A measure of frustration and anxiety existed along with the restrictions, and in the anticipation of the lengthy recuperation ahead. My dear husband, who saw me through multiple prior surgeries with gentle, dedicated, loving care, reassured me constantly, but I continued to worry about the long restrictive confinement. Thankfully we were not alone in this health struggle; we had family and friends willing to help in any way they could, in action and in prayer. In addition we had the skill of dedicated medical personnel. Who could have asked for more? How blessed to have had so much! Still I yearned to have my feet move swiftly, like those of a deer; to be able to climb stairs easily again; to have my strength back if it was God’s will. Knowing all too well how fortunate I was to have two legs to hopefully stand on once again, I looked forward with gratitude. That surgery was a success, thanks be to God!
Still I continue to pray for a return to good health, or at least to become stronger; to have the time here to enjoy the days ahead with my husband now retired, all our children and our five little grandchildren. At the same time I know that my requests may not be God’s will for me, but I continue to pray and to hope. From past experience, I have learned that much can be accomplished with many physical limitations and that everyone has challenges in one form or another. But most importantly I have learned that God does give us the strength we need to get through whatever we face! For although our physical bodies may not move as freely as we would prefer, with Him our spirits can fly like the feet of a deer; unrestrained and able to go in every direction desired, reaching higher and higher until they finds the Light that shines in everlasting joy.
Christ, our strength, give our spirits the swiftness of a deer so we may climb to heights we could never have imagined.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson