Good News: A Recovery in Process
In my previous Good News post, I explain about our recent accident and my thankfulness to just be alive. In this post, I will share some thoughts about what my recovery has been like so far.
It has been difficult.
It has been difficult in two ways. The first way is the pain. It is difficult to just ignore the pain from fractured ribs. Breathing, moving, sleeping, it is all painful. I have had to work at not laughing. Coughing has been excruciating. The first two days after the accident were the worst. It is probably the most pain I have experienced.
The other way that it has been difficult is the feeling of being helpless. I like to keep busy. While I am reaping some mental and physical benefits from lying in bed, it is not what I would choose to do. I feel bad for all of the things Amanda has had to do. I try to step in and help but she is wise enough to always stop me (she has even had to use my middle name).
What has recovery looked like? I have tried to get caught up on reading. I have read widely over the past week: from neurodiversity to military history to science fiction.
I am also trying to work on some projects in short spurts. This includes an online course I will be recording videos for and preparing the next episode of my History of Christianity podcast. That might not sound like taking it easy and yet I have found that these tasks, done in moderation, have taken my mind off the pain.
I have very little work for church. Not only has Amanda picked up the slack at home, she has had to do double duty at church. She did an amazing job on Sunday, leading the service and preaching, despite it originally being one of my Sundays. The church has been very flexible with us and has supported us greatly through this time.
I have looked at this time as enforced Sabbath. Rest does not come easy to me but this accident has taken away much of my options. I have to do things slowly and be sensitive to my limitations.
I am super thankful for Amanda. I really cannot express enough how much she has done this past week, not just for me, but for the rest of the family. She has worked hard, made wise decisions, and has shown great compassion. And I don’t make it easy for her. I thank God for Amanda.
This is a Good news post because I see the positive in all that has happened, even in the pain of trying to get out of bed or going for a short car ride. There is much to be thankful for.
