Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Quiet Moments With God ---Human Hands

I've been out of touch for a couple of weeks. And I've missed you. It's wonderful to feel well enough to write again. Praising God!

A few weeks ago I injured my chronically ill back and was laid up here at home. Then Sunday, the fifteenth of August while my husband was helping me sit, an explosion of pain went off in my low back. I've lived with back pain and muscle spasms for many years, but have never experienced anything like this.

I have the dearest husband. Greg held me tightly. We cried together and knew we needed outside help.

I was soon on my way to the hospital, via ambulance--not something I wanted but we had no choice. I'm a strong believer in God's sovereignty. There is a reason for this journey. I understand some of those reasons and some are still to be revealed.

I spent six days in the hospital and while there experienced God's love through friends, family, hospital personnel, nurses and CNA's. Their care, compassion and hands-on help were a balm from the Lord. I wished they could understand how much their care meant to me, but words weren't adequate to express my gratitude. If only they could feel my heart.

Much of the time my mind was in a drugged fog so names are unclear, but the faces of God's angels remain with me. Some offered gentle words, medication and confidence. Others massaged sore muscles and some cared for my very personal needs with tender respect. One young woman gave me a soothing bed bath in the middle of the night. All offered love and kindness through gentle words or the tender touch of their hands. I had an amazing conversation with a woman who worked with the hospital chaplain. And there were two physical therapists with very different approaches who helped me face my fears and do what I must.

I had apportunities to share my faith and even gave away a few copies of my new book. So much of what happened in the hospital felt like a gift.

I'm home now and my older daughter, Kristi, is taking care of my physical needs. She's wearing a smile and is overflowing with empathy and encouragement. My younger daughter visits and provides the gift of her smile and makes me laugh. My grandchildren are full of sweetness and hugs.

I don't like pain and I'd never choose to be in this situation, but I believe that what happened is part of God's plan for me. I have much to learn. Through the hands of his servants I feel His love in the midst of this trial. I'm grateful, beyond words, for those who have reached out in love and have made this time more positive than negative. Thank you.

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and when given it is never wasted. Look about and love those around you. Blessings will flow.

I love you all.

Grace and peace to you from God.

Bonnie

10 comments:

  1. glad to hear ya are back home,
    and that ya have a family that love ya enough to take care of ya!


    many blessings

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  2. Bonnie-
    I'm so glad you are on the road to recovery, and I'm encouraged by your seeing God's hand in a difficult situation.

    Praying for the quickest recovery possible, much comfort, and continued opportunities to serve Him in your circumstances.

    Love
    Kristen

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  3. Jel, I am extremely blessed. I have a wonderful family. We have our troubles, but loving one another is never one of them. The Lord gave us an abundance of that. :-)

    Grace and peace to you,

    Bonnie

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  4. Hi Kristen.

    How good to hear from you. I love to see a message pop up on my blog from you. :-) You're such an encouragement to me. Thank you so much for your prayers.

    I'm know God is using this time, but I am soooo ready to get back to work, but computer time is limited. I guess that means I've got to do more reading. Ah, shucks. ;-]

    Love ya,

    Bonnie

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  5. Bonnie, You are such an encouragement. To go through what you've just gone through and to be able to bow in submission to God's sovereignty surely brings glory to Him. I think of the verse, "Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me." That's what you're doing. May He bless you with a quick recovery. He has certainly blessed you with a loving family!

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  6. Sure missed you, Bonnie and I'm glad you are back home and on the road to recovery with God's Help. Also your family and Friends.
    You hold a special place in more hearts than you realize.
    God Bless You!

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  7. Dear Julie, your words are a continuation of the love and care I've been showered with. Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.

    I don't know what I'd do without my family . . . they've been wonderful. God knows how much I need them. He sees to everything.

    Blessings,

    Bonnie

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  8. Hi rbooth. Knowing that you matter to others is such a blessing. That's one of the fabulous things about being part of God's family--we're bonded and love abounds. He said that our love would be what set us apart from others. :-)

    God bless,

    Bonnie

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  9. Bonnie, I'm so sorry to hear about all that you have been going through. I've missed your wonderfully encouraging blogs too. I'm grateful for your giving spirit and the blessings and strength God has given you to help you through this current trial. I'll be praying for you! Cyberhugs (very gentle ones)

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  10. Thank you so much, Kav. I'm steadily improving and hope to be back to blogging soon.

    Bless you,

    Bonnie

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