Wisdom

It's been a long two weeks.

 

I had knee replacement surgery at the end of January

and happy as heck to have been in the hospital

having it done.

Coming home

of course

is always a good thing

but the ensuing days since

have been harder than I expected.

 

I'm not used to taking drugs.

I'm not on any medications

so a daily vitamin

and a random Aleve here and there

is the extent of it.

The assault of drugs necessary

to facilitate my recovery

from this surgery

launched an assault on my body

even as they were helping me

and honest

I can't remember a time

I've felt so

down

and so blue

and so alone.

 

I know lots of it just had to do with all the drugs.

 

And yet

even as we schedule and plan for things

like surgery

and we prepare all of the little auxiliary life functions

like who will take care of the dog

and the cat

and the bird

and taking out the trash

the truth

and perhaps unfairly so

is that life will continue to roll

mindless of ones rock-solid

state of mind

or otherwise.

And in my case this past week

it was definitely

otherwise.

Seriously

somberly

frequently tearfully

otherwise.

 

Not really prepared

for unexpected disappointments

and emotional roller coasters.

But invites to ride

come anyway.

 

And ride, we do.

Best as we can.

 

The hills and the valleys

found me spending time with an old friend

this week.

I love the Book of James.

The wise words and practical counsel

have guided me through

the ups and downs of life

since I was a teenager.



 

It's not always easy

to be pure

then peace-loving

considerate, submissive

and full of mercy.

Sincere impartiality

is tough stuff.

But

blessed, blessed

oh how blessed

are the peacemakers.

 

May I remember to be one

always.

Always, Lord.

Please always

let it begin

with me.