Back to Recovery

Last week, I finally got my cast off. The leg I'm seeing again after six weeks is unbelievably thin. It's a use it or lose it thing, and it shows for not having used it for the past six weeks. The area where the surgeon cut open has not entirely healed yet. So, I am being cautious. I'm practicing walking again, taking it one step at a time (no pun intended). My doctor says I can start putting total weight on it now that the bone has been reattached, but my ankle is so stiff that I'm unsure if I want to. To be honest, I'm scared. I'm afraid something will happen if I try to walk at total weight again. The nerve tissue is also returning to life as if it's been hibernating. It's fascinating. I've started practicing walking with crutches gradually, putting only about 10% of my weight on my right foot at first and relying on the crutches for the rest, and I need to build that 10% up to 100% soon.

As I watch the nerves around my injured ankle return, my flexibility return and my calf muscles come back to life, I think about how the whole process works like a metaphor for spiritual rehabilitation. If you've been away from your faith for a while, it can be awkward to worship in church, pray, read the Bible, and so on. Just like the nerves in your ankle that were in a cast, your spiritual senses are probably numb, and you need to make an unceasing effort to get back on your feet spiritually. It means making time to worship, listening to praise music, reading and meditating on the Word, and obeying God as He tells you what to do. Just as you should seek the help of a physiotherapist, be sure to seek the help of a mature brother or sister in the faith or a pastor to help you get back on track. If you've been away from your faith for a long time, it will take just as long to recover. Don't be too impatient. Take your time getting back on track. The Lord will welcome you with his wide-open arms.

I'm going on vacation for two weeks starting tomorrow, a trip I've been planning with my daughters' families since last year. I will go, but I won't be able to move around much. Just being with my grandchildren will be a joy and a comfort in itself, though. I hope you get some well-deserved rest as the summer ends soon.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
(Matthew 11:28)

May the Lord bless you!

Blessings,
Pastor Minho Song