Dawn's recovery process is moving along nicely. I've been able to have several phone conversations with her since her surgery. I have returned to Waypoint (what we're calling our home) and am in the process of building her a bed. Since the mattress is on the floor, I felt that it would be prudent to build a bed so that Dawn doesn't have to do any more "work" than necessary during her recovery process once she returns home. The bed is coming along nicely.
Initially, the doctors told Dawn to expect a ten day stay in the hospital but some of the paper work she has says five to seven days. So we're hoping that no matter how many days that she'll be released at the proper moment and not a moment before. Doctors have told her that she is to try to walk around the halls at least three times a day and I know that she did at least one lap today. She spends her time either sleeping or trying to figure out something interesting to watch on TV. They have her on fentanyl and oxycodone for the pain and they plan on removing the epidural tomorrow.
A couple of weeks ago I had this reflection that I shared with Dawn and I feel like sharing it with you all. I look at the season that we are in and I know that others are in a worse season than we are and some are in better seasons. This isn't about comparison but rather looking at the tests and trials that we are in and becoming or being trustworthy and faithful in that specific season. This is what I shared with Dawn. I hope that you are encouraged by it as well.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 {Hebrew words are in parenthesis followed by definitions}
To everything there is a season, (Zeman - Appointed time, Set time)
A time (Eth - Time (of an event), Experiences) for every purpose (Chephets - Delights, pleasure, longing) under heaven:
2 A time to be born, (Yalad - Bear, bring forth, Travail, To declare one's birth, act as a midwife, declare pedigree)
And a time to die; (Muth - To kill, To have one executed, To put to death, To perish)
A time to plant, (Nata - To fasten, to fix, to establish, to strike in)
And a time to pluck what is planted; (aqar - To root up, to pluck up (By the roots), to cut (as in Hamstring), To exterminate)
I know that people use this scripture for funerals, but as I read it...with the word definitions, I see that....this is where we're at.
Season (Appointed time): We were brought to Rail Road Flat for a reason and a purpose. But is this the right season for us to sprout....or is it time to lay down roots?
Time (Time of an event)/Purpose (Delights): Our purpose is to bring Jesus to this area. Are we going to be ready when we are faced with our tasks?
Born (Bear, bring forth, act as a midwife): I'm mindful that we can't and mustn't rush God's timing. But the birthing process is painful and messy...and because I'm aware of this...my discouragement in the lack of friendship is only temporary. My internal fretting about money and supplies is only temporary. Though it's in my nature to be intense and driven, I know that in this moment...slow is smooth and smooth is fast. The process of birth, there are moments of contractions (pain) and moments of resting. There is loss of fluids, intentional breathing, screaming and travailing. Sometimes there is an extended time of waiting before the pain begins. The birthing process is painful and messy and it's the fruit of that birth that makes the birthing process worth the pain. The pain of birth is temporary and it gives way to immense joy.
Die (To Kill, to execute): Looking at where we live (the spiritual area), I'm asking myself and asking God to show me what fleshly thing I must kill so that when we are fully released into what we desire to do, my flesh will not hinder us.
Plant (To fasten, Fix, Establish, to strike in): What are we to fix? What are we to fasten? What are we to establish? I find it interesting that this one word has four different definitions, each that are accomplished by different actions. I'm sensing that we must be extremely strategic as we move forward and we must assess HOW we are to plant.
Pluck (to root up, to cut/hamstring, to exterminate): Looking at RRF with spiritual eyes, what are the targets that we need to pluck? How do we go about doing that and with whom?
In conclusion, though the above reflection is specific to us, I hope that you can look at this reflection and personalize it to yourself and make the most of whatever season of life that you are currently in. Seasons are just that...seasons. They don't last forever. New seasons may currently seem to be barren and empty, but those can be the best seasons because it should be promoting rest and recuperation and you know that the next season brings new life and sunshine. As Dawn and I head into a season of physical recuperation, this time will also allow us to pause and draw closer together and to draw closer to our Creator. We hope that whatever season you're in that you can do the same.
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