You Never Know What's Next
Dear COAH,
I suffered a significant ankle injury while playing soccer last week. I've had a few minor injuries while playing soccer throughout my career, but nothing like this ever happened. I have a fractured right ankle and torn ligaments. I had surgery on my ankle last Wednesday and am currently resting at home. I'm told it'll take 6-8 weeks to heal. I'm not supposed to put any weight on my ankle for the next two weeks. I will stay put at home for now. However, there is one exception: I will speak at the COAH retreat this weekend since it is hard to find a last-minute replacement. So, don't be surprised if I am in a wheelchair at the retreat.
At the drop of a hat, I had to cancel many events for the next few weeks, including lecturing at Regent College in Vancouver, my alma mater. Well, you can never be sure about tomorrow! One thing I'm thankful for, though, is that I don't have to worry about the pulpit for the next two weeks. The following Sunday (July 7), we have the senior pastor candidate's preaching. On the Sunday of the Congregational Meeting (July 14), we have the acting Session moderator from the Presbytery preaching for the KM services. So I won't have to be in the pulpit for the next two weeks. I suppose I chose the "best" time to get injured regarding the preaching schedule.
But I feel bad for the inconvenience my injury caused our church members. I'm sorry that I've had to cancel so many events, and I'm incredibly sad that I've been unable to be there for the sick and those grieving for their loved ones.
I vividly remember the moment I was wheeled into the operating room. For some reason, the thought crossed my mind that under general anesthesia, I might not wake up from surgery. Then, I asked myself if I had done my job faithfully up to this point. Have I asked everyone for forgiveness in case I wronged anyone? Is there anything to regret, anything to be ashamed of before God, and so on? The doctor explained that I would get an anesthetic injection, I would sleep, and that when I woke up, the surgery would be over. I thought about what he said momentarily, and then I lost consciousness. Before I knew it, I woke up to the nurses talking. "Ah, the surgery is over," I said to myself, and I was thankful. Thank you, Lord! And thank you for your prayers. They meant a lot to me.
Blessings,
Pastor Minho Song