Knowing Peace & Enjoying the Season
Those of you that follow me and are a part of my life, you may think I’m crazy for the title above. If you that are not as familiar, I am currently recovering from major knee surgery I had the week before Christmas. I will save you the pictures of my knee, as they are not pretty, but recovery from any surgery is never easy. So as I sit here, leg propped on ice and being waited on hand and foot, how can I possibly title this newsletter Knowing Peace and Enjoying the Season?? What is peaceful and enjoyable about surgery? Well, let me explain with the hopes you will be encouraged. This has been the 10th knee procedure I’ve had and not the easiest, but I say “knowing peace” because through every procedure and struggle, my only choice has been to trust God and have faith in His plan for my life. It would be easy for me to dwell in my ‘sufferings’ and throw myself a pity party and honestly, I’m human and I do sometimes. But even more, I have to retrain my thoughts to God and how I represent Him. If I constantly ask “why is this happening to me,” which people ask me frequently, I’m questioning God and His authority in my life. I don’t enjoy surgery, I hate asking people to do things for me, and I’m an utter control freak that loves to be independent—God breaks all of that. I have prayed God will break my heart to rely fully on Him (& the help of others) during these times. So, all that to say, I have peace….ultimate peace in Christ.
Enjoyment? Yep—more than the pain and frustrations, I have loved being able to recover at home with the ones I love! My boys are on Christmas break so they have been my happy helpers and we have enjoyed Christmas movies, board games, coloring and Play Doh. All from the comforts of my recliner! My wonderful husband has been extra attentive and gives me way more than I feel I deserve and I’m so thankful for him. My amazing mom was able to retire earlier this month and has been the saving grace that has done the daunting tasks of laundry, dishes, etc. to keep some sanity in our house. I have loved the time with my family to just be home. I can’t do much, but I can be present and enjoy the time I have with them while I have it.
I realize this hasn’t been a whole lot of CEF updates, but I wanted to share my heart with you as so many of you are my prayer warriors. In our chapter, December has been filled with Christmas Across America parties and Good News Clubs winding down for break. It is my prayer our volunteers will be refreshed and renewed and ready for a great 2016 of sharing the Gospel to even more children!
‘Til the nets are full—Joanne
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