Devotionals

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I read a quote today that I really liked. "Appetite, with an opinion of attaining, is called hope; the same without such opinion, despair." That was written by Thomas Hobbes in 1651. I had hope today, before going to the doctor, that my time in a wheelchair would soon be over. I have been in a hard fiberglass cast for six weeks (the previous 4 months in an aircast) and have been learning to be upright a few moments a day. Those short trips - usually to the bathroom - I've been mostly using a walker. But I'd noticed a big increase in leg strength in the last couple of days and one time stood long enough to do a few dishes. Yesterday I even walked a few wobbly steps unaided!

So I was excited to go to the doctor today, hoping to go back into the aircast. Hoping to finally get in the shower. Hoping to do hundreds of other things that I've missed doing while in this chair. BUT he had other ideas.

Yes, I got rid of the hot pink hard cast and came home with the air cast again. No problem, it comes off. I do get to sleep without it for the first time in 5 months! Yeah! But the point I'm not happy with? I have to start all over again taking baby steps, just a couple at a time. It seems the removeable cast doesn't provide as much protection for the foot and I have to go very slowly to avoid harming my bones.

Well I am not in despair, my hope is not shattered! For my hope is not in myself, doctors, health, or any other earthly thing. In 1 Thesasalonians 1:3 Paul prayed "We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ." And 1 Timothy 4:10 says, "... we have put our hope in the Living God, who is the savior of all men..." Yep, there's the answer. No discouragement here, for I have hope in my God! He has given numerous promises for following after Him. And I don't have to worry, but just rest in Him and His love for me.

The doctor said I was looking at another 3 months of gradually getting back on my feet. But what is that short time compared to all of eternity? My hope, my appetite, waits upon the Lord and for that sure eternal life! In the meantime, Ed and Katie, it may yet be a while before I'm able to cook, clean, do dishes and laundry. (Hee Hee Hee!)
5/11/06

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