Gratitude

Sometimes it is so easy to walk through life and see everything that is wrong or comes up short...disappointing relationships, challenging finances, limited time with loved ones, crazy work systems, failing health, etc. I think we can see life this way because deep within our soul we are aware that we are made for something more...the desires of heaven, such as to love and be fully loved, to no longer toil, to feel completely secure and know our significance, to make a difference in the lives of others. When life falls short of these God given desires it disappoints.

I was challenged by a speaker at Grand View College this summer to identify 5 things each day for which I am grateful. "Gratitudes", he called them, because they can shape your attitude and outlook on life. While I have never been good at the discipline of daily activities like that, I am very mindful of the "happenings" of life and I frequently ask questions like "What am I to learn?" and "How does God want to speak to me?"

While I never wish surgery on anyone, it has provided a "happening" opportunity for me to reflect from and it has given me a window to see new things for which I am grateful.

SURGICAL GRATITUDES:

1. RELATIONAL AFFIRMATIONS -I don't know if I like the title I gave this, but I couldn't think of any other words (suggestions welcomed). Although I suppose it would lose it's wonder if offered all the time, moments like heading toward surgery provide opportunities to speak words and extend action we often feel in our core toward one another, but may not often say or do. I am very thankful for our family and friends who simply, yet sincerely, said words like, "we love you", "you mean so much to us", "we care about you." I am also grateful for the actions of many who set aside time to pray for us and with us, and to serve our family in many ways.
2. THE PRESERVATION OF DIGNITY - With all of our modern medical advances you'd think someone could come up with a hospital robe that doesn't leave you "butt exposed" to the world...humiliating yourself and terrorizing your fellow hospital companions! I am so grateful for my nurse, Lois. She had the unique ability to offer me dignity in the midst of my "exposing" moments. It is truly a gift to offer another human dignity and respect despite being aware of their brokenness and shame.
3. POST-ANESTHETICALLY INSTALLED CATHETERS - I'm thinking this needs no explanation!
4. THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF SIMPLE GESTURES -Nancy and I have received numerous calls, texts, and e-mails from people who took the time to simply wish us well, offer their prayers, extend encouragement, and ask if they could help. The majority of these gestures where short and sweet. To the sender it may not have felt like much, but for Nancy and I (the receivers) it provided a surprisingly deep source of encouragement. I was able to read through text and e-mails in bed (see the next gratitude) when I wasn't able to sleep well at night, and I was truly thankful for the thoughtful gestures of good friends. I wonder if we underestimate the power of our simple expressions of care?
5. SMART PHONE TECHNOLOGY - For all the times I have threatened to get rid of our answering machine or complained about over accessibility via e-mail, I've got to tell you that I have loved my smart phone during this time. I've been able to capture e-mails, peruse the web, and text people all from the confines of my bed. The convenience my phone has offered ranks right up their with the pee jar I got to use this week so I didn't have to try to get up out of bed and walk to the bathroom!
6. OLD FRIENDS - Many people where puzzled about why I had my surgery up in Ames. Well the number one reason was defintely my surgeon.  You may not know that Ames was also home to us for nine years, and we have many life long friends from that community. Both of the boys were born there in Mary Greeley Hospital, and we have friends there with whom we walked through those early stages of life...first married, first fight, first job, first children, first move. I am grateful for the new friends we have met along life's changes and moves, but I was reminded of the privlege of having friends that don't get lost over time. Nancy and I were visited at the hospital by several "old friends", many of whom we hadn't seen in sometime. I am thankful for the bonds of friendship that transcend time and place.
7. COMPANIONSHIP - One of life's deepest gifts is to have a companion to live it with. To say that Nancy has been incredible during this time doesn't even come close. For all the wear and tear of relationship and things we can take for granted in our marriage over time, I was freshly reminded of who Nancy is and why I asked that "Will you?" question over 23 years ago. I have been so grateful for the security & love she has provided over our years and particularly during a time of uncertainty, hope, and fear regarding surgery.
8. FAITH - I really don't know how to live life without it. For as much as I can feel confident about who I am and the things I go about doing, in the big picture I feel so small and life lacks meaning not tied to the God of my faith. In the week leading up to surgery God was incredibly kind to me (stuff I'll write some about later) by bringing thoughts and people to me that reminded me of His care for me and my family, and His good will toward us regardless of surgical outcome. Thank you, thank you!
9. B.M. - I was going to close with my thoughts on "Faith", which I am sure would have been much more appropriate. But, in light of this mornings events I must say there are certain bodily functions for which you are grateful when they once again reactivate following a major surgery. Let's just leave it at I am very thankful for this morning!

Kent

"Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things." - Phil.: 4: 8-9