MondayMorning manna: Joanne’s Year

One year after the fall, fractured pelvis, dislocated from the hip, trauma surgery, twelve inch stainless steel plate inserted in leg, hospital stay, rehab facility stay, twelve weeks immobile, home health care, twelve weeks of physical therapy, walking with walker/cane, complete hip deterioration, plate screws touching sciatic nerve causing leg, knee, foot pain, then total hip replacement surgery, more walker/cane, total of five and a half months of non-driving, numerous visits to doctors and surgeons and multiple prescription medications, finally my wife, Joanne, is able to drive, and she is beginning to walk without a cane. How does one cope with such a year, and come out smiling? Part of the answer is the global prayer support from friends near and far. Part of the answer is an unshakable faith that God is in control and will provide. Part of the answer is in a wonderful group of doctors, surgeons, nurses, therapists, technicians, etc. Part of the answer is in sheer grit and determination to recover. Part of the answer is in supportive assistance from neighbors, friends, and family. Part of the answer is in the truth of Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” The verse does not say that all things are good, nor does it say that all things work for good for all people. In Joanne’s case, God is working in some rather tough circumstances toward a good future. Are you having a tough year? Take a lesson from Joanne. Art Linkletter could have been describing her when he said, “Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.”

Dr. Dan Crawford, Senior Professor at Southwestern Baptist Seminary, is the WestCoast Baptist Association’s Spiritual Life & Leadership Mentor. Follow Dan on Twitter @DrDanRC and Facebook www.facebook.com/dan.crawford.