Just less than four months ago, we were standing before this plane, anxiously awaiting the baby sister and daddy we had been apart from for too long. Almost a month spent separated, I think each one of us realized the value of family and the strength and peace that comes from being together, as one unit, in the comfort of our home...even when that closeness can bring its own little hiccups.
Tomorrow, we do it again. Not for as long, but equally steeped in emotion.
I will undergo surgery next week to remove both breasts and the lymph nodes under my arms. Many have asked if I'm anxious. And, while I'd like to say, "no" and that I have complete trust in God, I wouldn't be telling the entire truth.
I am anxious. But right now, that anxiety stems from more than the surgery...mostly it comes from the eyes I look into as I say goodbye...those eyes that well up with tears and beg me not to leave again. The eyes that are trying to fight back the "drips" while each one asks why I have to be gone again. I'm worried about being apart. I'm worried about little ones with health problems of their own. I'm worried about the anxiety manifesting in their little hearts after the last few months.
Tuesday morning, I'll worry about my surgery.
In an ideal situation, I would tell you that the last almost six months, I've re-prioritized my life and now don't get irritated when the inconsequential things don't get done or the kids don't listen or the house doesn't stay clean for more than five minutes. But, the situation isn't ideal, and I've been less than I should be when it comes to letting things go, in spite of my diagnosis.
I'm hoping the Lord is still chipping away at the silliness of my reactions and the lack of being who I need to be, because I don't want Him to give up...I just take a lot of molding ;)
I attended a virtual healing service last night. That was a first for me - well, a first for a healing service of any kind. And, while I'm so glad I did it, I went back and forth for awhile about truly what I wanted to ask God for. I mean, I want to be well. I want that "guarantee" that I'll see my kids have kids and share much more life with them (don't we all), but I wrestled with (and still do) what God's plan is for me.
I'm not saying that I think He wants me to die. I just wonder how He wants to use me to reach others, and I pray daily for grace to allow that to happen. Does He want to refine me via this cross? I believe so. And, it is teaching me so much about how much I lack in turning my life completely over to Him. Can He use me as an example for others when they face their own unique crosses? I pray so. Does He want to use the power of a miraculous healing to bring others closer to Him? Maybe. I just don't know. So, what I ask for is His will. Be that a cure, a remission, or a constant cross...His will and the grace to accept it.
Again, Tuesday morning...I think I will worry more about the surgery. Vainly, I'm anxious about getting lymphedema. With my desire for control, I'm a bit worried about being helpless for awhile. I'm also somewhat concerned about looking like Frankenstein and awaiting the pathology results. I'm concerned about being away from home, from the ones I love most and from the familiar in the vulnerable.
Maybe in all of that, I should say those are my "thoughts" rather than my anxieties. I know I cannot be in two places at once. I know I have to do this in order that I may be as healthy as I can. I know that my kids are in the hands of people who love them dearly. And, above all, I know that God has this and is wrapping His arms around me as I go into surgery alone (cancer in COVID times;)). I truly am not afraid. I am ready for this, and I'm ready to be on the other side of it.
But, what I'm most ready for...these little ones waiting for me as I arrive home, much like Jesus is waiting for me to drop my arms and the weight of these thoughts and come into His. Because if there is anything I'm learning (and trying to put into practice), it's this...little else matters besides Him. And, we can rest in the promise that His will will be done regardless of our "help."
Come, Lord Jesus.
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