When things don’t go as planned

I am a person who likes a routine.  Every morning I wake up, have a cup of coffee, snuggle with Merriweather as we watch the Today Show before I get on with my day.  In the evenings I watch a little TV, snuggle with Merriweather, and most nights talk with my mom for a bit before heading to bed.  I don’t like surprises, I like to know what to expect.  I like to have a plan!

So what happens when things don’t go to plan…well funny you should ask!  Last Monday I woke with a dull pain in the lower back.  It happens from time to time so I didn’t really think much about it.  The next day, I had a doctor’s appointment to establish care with a new doctor.  I told her about my pain and we talked about symptoms and possible causes.  She ordered an abdominal ultrasound for the next day.  Lo and behold I have a “significant” gallstone embedded in my gallbladder!  (No wonder I have pain that won’t seem to go away!) Fast forward and today (Wednesday) I am having surgery to remove my gallbladder!

Normally when things go awry and I am thrown off course, I panic and let stress and anxiety run the house!  But not this time! I have found myself calm, cool and collected with only a small bit of anxiety on the side.  I have prayed A LOT this past week…turning my worry into prayer (habit 3).  I have let God’s truth wash over me…relying on truth over uncertainty (habit 4).  And most importantly I have leaned into rest…breathing in Christ and breathing our stress (habit 5). 

So, as I write this I am doing my best to only use the good habits…and let the bad habits go.  I am going into this surgery with just a little bit of anxiety because I don’t know what to expect which makes it hard to plan.  But what I can plan for is to know that I am covered in prayer head to toe.  To know I have on repeat in my mind those verses of scripture that give me comfort.  And to know that God has control, so I don’t need to worry.

Thanks for your prayers!  I will be out of the office for the remainder of this week, Rev. Terry Palmer will be with you in worship on Sunday as I recover. I will be back in the office next week.

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition
with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, 
which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and
your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7)