Tubes that deliver life-giving oxygen. Needles that supply nutrients and antibiotics. Wires that provide access to immediate care. All of these are necessary to the recovery process following surgery, and all of these can become very overwhelming. This is my recent experience following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, a fancy term for a partial knee replacement.
For the first 24 hours, my blood pressure was checked every 15 minutes--no sleep for me! I also had a negative reaction to the antibiotics that were used, resulting in hives and a severe rash. Unfortunately, they couldn't administer Benadryl to counteract the reaction because my blood pressure was too low.
Day two in the hospital was much better: my blood pressure returned to normal range and I was able to eat sitting up. I was also able to get up out of bed with assistance to take the few steps to the restroom. I attended a physical therapy group class with others who had been through knee or hip replacement surgery. It was a fun group with a lot of laughter, inspite of the pain that everyone had endured. Everyone's goal was to earn three stars--one (1) star indicated that you had to have staff assistance to get out of bed, two (2) stars meant that your spouse or other family member or friend could help you get up, and three (3) stars meant that you were able to maneuver on your own, within limits.
On day three, I had earned my three stars and was looking forward to going home. That was only the beginning. Once arriving at home, it became very apparent that normal functions took ten times longer than normal, such as showering, dressing and walking from the bed to the bathroom. It also meant that physical therapy (or physical "torture" as I like to refer to it) would begin. (My favorite part is the ice pack applied to the knee after the physical torture session is completed.)
As I reflected on the last few days, I realized that my relationship with God is very much like tubes and wires and needles. He provides me with oxygen, life-sustaining nutrients and immediate access to Him through one simple package: The Bible. All I have to do is accept what He has provided and I have eternal life. I might even have a few stars for my crown. Each day is a step forward, gaining strength in my knowledge of Jesus Christ as Saviour. While it can be a slow process, I can enjoy each step of the way, knowing that I have eternity to look forward to.
Tubes, wires and needles = life support. God = life support. Can there be any doubt?
What could possibly be greater than the joy of holding your newborn son or daughter for the first time? Watching your father hold his great-grandson for the very first time and seeing the joy in his face as he beholds the tiny bundle that represents four generations.
