Half Baked

Some of you know that I suffered a recent knee injury at home.  I’d like to say that I was pushed, but the truth is that I fell down the stairs carrying laundry and ruptured my patellar tendon.

The first emotion that I felt over this was overwhelming gratitude.  Though I will be laid up for a while, it could have been much worse.  I could have easily sustained a brain or spinal cord injury that would have been irreparable.  Though it will take some time, my knee should get back to full mobility.  I can’t say that I’ve maintained this frame of mind the entire time I’ve been set aside, but thankfulness is the dominant emotion.

Two weeks out from the surgery, my pain is mostly manageable.  My knee will be in an immobilizer for another month.  Then, I will graduate to a hinged brace.  So, most likely, it will be another month before I can drive.

While I’m laid up, I’m seeking to do all the good that I can.  While it is difficult for me to go to people, they can come to me. I’ve also been able to take the time to do some extended prayer, meditation on the Scriptures, and focused study.

My injury is not in vain.  Along with the Psalmist, I can say, “it was good for me to be afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71).  For his own purposes, the Lord has chosen to slow me down.  My times are in his hands.  I am completely at peace with getting back to public ministry in his timing.