Jan. 23, 2014

Luke 4:40

At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying his hands on each one, he healed them. 

On Fri., Jan. 17, Rick finally had hip replacement surgery. We first saw a surgeon about two-and-a-half years ago. He said Rick would know when it was time to have surgery. When we saw the same surgeon on Jan. 2, he looked Rick in the eye and said, “Rick, it’s time to have surgery.” Fortunately, we already had it scheduled.

Hip replacement surgery is routine these days. We were told one percent of joint replacement patients have post-operative problems with infection. Most feel immediate relief from arthritic pain and deal with surgical pain.

So has been the case for Rick. When he returns to the surgeon next Friday, Rick intends to be ahead of where most people are two weeks post-op. He is more than religious about doing exercises. He pushes himself daily to see how far he can go. Today, the therapist finally told him to hold back so he does not cause additional inflammation and slow down the healing process.

While joint replacement is routine, Rick and I have been reminded daily that his recovery is nothing less than a miracle. Yes, the doctors and health care providers have been properly trained and followed protocol. I believe the miracle began long before Rick, when some person had a thought instilled in their brain to attempt a joint replacement … and did.

Often, miracles look like the exact opposite of a miracle. Miracles are the slow recognition of life, God’s life, taking form in a person and context. When we are caught off-guard by something, this is a miracle. I expected Rick to do well after surgery. I have been caught off-guard by how quickly he has rebounded. Theologian Karl Rahner was once asked if he believed in miracles. His reply: “I live on miracles. I couldn’t make it through a day without them.”

Do you live on miracles? Do you purposefully find situations when something happens unexpectedly? Surrounded by an air of mystery, you are amazed and awed? Jesus has healed many, many kinds of “sickness.” I envision a wide swath of “illnesses,” including hip replacement. May I never underestimate the miracles he performs daily in my and others lives.

Lord God, thank you for the healing miracle that Rick has experienced this past week. For those who have also felt healing of some sort, I give you thanks and praise. May I seek and see miracles in my daily life. Amen.

Blessings –

Dianne

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