Robyn was kind enough to ask how I was feeling, and I thought it fitting to share a bit as so many of you have been prayer companions with us these past days.
I had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon and all is well in terms of my healing. The pain has greatly diminished the last few days, and at times I feel completely normal! Praise God for such a speedy recovery. He said that ten percent of the time, no matter how careful you are, hernias come back. We are certainly praying to be excused from that ten percent!
I am restricted from lifting anything heavy for four more weeks. This has by far proven to be the greatest challenge for our family in recovery. My kind sister has made a spreadsheet and circulated it among our family and friends to try to get help for the most crucial times of day (namely nap time). We have already seen the generosity of so many dear ones who have volunteered their time and energies to help, and we have also been creative in adjusting how we do life together (the kids think it’s great to eat lunch and dinner at their little play table!). Doug’s office has been fantastic in supporting him through this as well, and in making it possible for him to take the time off when it has been absolutely necessary.
I also had a scheduled trip to Chicago for a teaching opportunity at my alma mater in April, and we have decided that I will be able to travel and keep that commitment. This is something I am very much looking forward to doing.
Thank you seems inadequate when I consider the many people who have expressed kindness and love to us these past weeks. I continue to walk in such gratitude for the companions, near and far, that God has seen fit to give me. May I be entrusted with such a ministry of encouragement to others in the future!
P.S. To Anonymous in Spokane–if you read this, thank you, thank you, thank you.
So glad to hear your recovery is going well. Praying for lots of grace for you and your family during this “non-lifting” period; so hard with little ones.
“Excused from the ten percent” … What a great, classically-Erika turn of phrase. So happy you are holding your own, and you already have a full-blown ministry of encouragement. I cannot imagine I’m the only one who comes here daily and leaves encouraged.
Please let us know if your speaking engagement in Chicago is open to the public. I’d love to come by and meet you.
Rebecca,
I am lecturing in one of Scot McKnight’s classes at North Park, so it is not an open event. I may be preaching somewhere that weekend, so I will let you know in case that might be something you could come to. It would be great to meet you! I suppose too that we could try to swing coffee or something. Go ahead and email me if you want to try to get together–I’ll be there Wednesday the 25th through that Sunday. You can use the contact form on this site.