CANCELLING PLANS

I do not want to cancel a long planned get away!  

Every two years, Half Century of Progress happens in Rantoul, Illinois.  Old farming equipment arrives, on semi flat beds that cost more than the farms the equipment was used on.  Farmers, old and young,  spend four days examining old tractors and buying another cap, with a John Deere or an International Harvester tractor embroidered on it.  1950’s combines are hauled hundreds of miles to have the chance to shell corn one more time.  Our friends join us in Rantoul and, while the men tractor look,  the women revisit a favorite store and discover new cemeteries.

Our rooms were reserved as soon as the dates were announced.  They bring hundreds of golf carts in  and one of them already had Bill’s name on it.  Yes, this show is much too large to walk.  Plans were in place and we were looking forward to the show, but, even more importantly, the time with friends.  Plans … There is only one problem with plans.  They may have to be cancelled.

My knee is bone on bone and the pain is increasing.  But, the show is only a few weeks away.  Surely, I can wait that long.  Time with friends.  Old tractors.  Surely, I can hang in there a bit longer.  Our friend said she and I could hang out at the hotel while the men went to the show.  Time with friends.  Old tractors.  Surely, I can …. But, the doctor took one look at an updated x-ray, put a tiny amount of pressure on my knee (Thankfully a tiny amount!), and said, “Mary, you need to get this done.  I will be back in the office July 23 and we can schedule your surgery a few days after that.”

And, just like that, my mind went from planning to cancelling to planning.  The second planning?  What do I need for the surgery and recovery? 

What do I need?  Actually, I have exactly what I need:  peace with this decision.  That is saying a lot, because I do not have a good history with surgery and anesthesia.  Making the scriptures personal is where I find my peace.

Lord, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. My heart has plans, but you establish my steps and your purpose prevails. This is the time for my surgery.  

God, you are the God of hope.  Fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in you, so I may overflow with hope in the power of the Holy Spirit.  In prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, I will turn my anxiety over to you.  And, when I make known to you my concerns, your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and my faith in Christ Jesus, will guard my heart and my mind. I will go into surgery with peace and no fear.

This I pray in the name of Jesus Christ,

Amen

SCRIPTURES:  Ecclesiastes 3:1, Proverbs 16:9, Proverbs 19:21, Romans 15:13, and Philippians 4:6-7