After almost three months in a cervical collar for a broken neck, I was excited.  This was the day to see the doctor for possible removal of the collar—freedom!

My daughter-in-law Kandee had driven me to the appointment at a doctors’ office in Winston-Salem—38 miles from my home.  A dear friend, Miriam Ramirez, had also accompanied us.

X-rays were taken.  We waited for the results.  It was taking forever, or so it seemed!

“What will I do, Lord, if the healing is incomplete?”  I silently prayed.  “What will I do if I have to remain in this collar for several more weeks or months?  What if I have to continue to rely on other people to drive me everywhere?”

Quietly it dawned on me that I needed to stop the “What ifs?”  The Lord had carried me this far—I would be o.k.  “Well, Lord, I won’t like it, but I will continue to do what I have been doing—wait,” I confessed.

Finally, good news!  The physician’s assistant returned and said I was good to go!  Physical therapy would be necessary to ensure mobility, but I was collar free!

Kandee turned to me, tears in her eyes, “I’m so happy I could cry!”  she said as Miriam snapped our picture.  It had been a long three months!

Next stop:  our weekly Celebrate Recovery meeting at Trading Ford Baptist Church.

As I pulled into the church parking lot, my 12-year old granddaughter, Kaity, came running toward me smiling from ear to ear, her long hair bouncing cheerfully behind her.   As she jerked open the door, however, she burst into tears.    “What’s wrong?”  I asked with concern.  “Nothing!  I’m just so happy!” she responded.

Tears of joy!  Welcome tears! Happy tears!  We haven’t had many of those lately.  It was a good day!

As I entered the Fellowship Building, cheers erupted from my Celebrate Recovery family who had been so faithful to pray for me, encourage me, help me!  Such a wonderful “forever family.”

Spirits were high as we shared our weekly fellowship meal and headed to the Worship Center.

The praise team led us in a rousing time of worship, and our speaker began to share the lesson.  My thoughts, though, were scattered—drifting here and yon.  My arduous journey was over.  The Divine Physician had chosen to spare me from paralysis or death.   I was grateful!  Very, very grateful!

Admittedly, being house bound had been a challenge for someone who was constantly on the go—but a glimmer of truth began to dawn on me.  In strange ways this time of immobility had also been a great blessing.  It was during my convalescence that I had finally learned what it meant to “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10 NLT)

An odd sense of anxiety and longing began to creep over me.  Did I really want to return to my pre-wreck days—the too busy, bustling days filled often with too much activity, or did I want to continue at the slower pace I had been enjoying since the accident?

I began to realize that I was oddly grateful for my three months of forced stillness. It was during that time that I had finally quieted myself enough to hear the Lord speak to me much more clearly.

It was during that time that I had finally begun to write—something I had wanted to do for years.

It was during that time that I basked in the love and prayers of God’s people—Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals.   Notes, letters, visits, calls, e-mails, texts, gifts, food!  I was even blessed with not one but two prayer quilts–one from my own Training Ford Baptist and one from First Baptist Church, Stanley– a church I attended 30 years ago.   I was overwhelmed as I experienced the “Church” at its best—praying, loving, supporting, encouraging!

It was during that time that I learned the full extent of the love and  faithfulness of my dear family.  Without them, I would have spent my convalescence in a nursing home or assisted living facility.  What a marvelous blessing they had been!  Thank you Jeff, Steph, Jon, Kandee, Joe, Heather, Kaity, Jonathon, Lauren, Nick, Luke, and Hayley.  I love you!

Finally, it was during this time that I, like whirlwind Martha in the scriptures, heard Jesus tell me clearly and lovingly that I needed to be more like my “sister” Mary who sat at his feet.  “There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:38-42 NLT) Even though my inactivity had been forced, I had learned well that I needed to continue to carve out larger chunks of time to sit with Him—to listen to Him—to learn from Him, to write about Him.

As my mind returned to the CR meeting, it was already “chip time”–—the time when people make commitments to start on the road to recovery from some hurt, habit, or hang-up.

A sense of calm assurance washed over me as I walked forward and took a blue chip—a beginner’s chip. It was time for me to give up my workaholism and commit to continue my journey away from “busyness” and toward “sitting with the Savior.”

What about you?  Do you wrestle with workaholic tendencies like Martha?  Try “being still” and knowing the King of the Universe in a new and personal way.   Check out a Celebrate Recovery meeting.  You won’t regret it!

p.s.   Ever have trouble sleeping?  I do, especially when I am struggling with a hurt or wrestling with a habit or hang-up.  Through the years I have come up with a plan for dealing with sleepless nights.  It’s based on scripture, and it’s yours free by clicking on the “Get It Now” button at the top of the page.  Even when I don’t get a full night’s sleep, I can still face the new day rested and at peace.  I hope you find it helpful.

If you have suggestions or would like to share your own experiences, I would welcome your comments!

“I will bless the Lord who guides me;
even at night my heart instructs me.
  I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.”  Psalm 16:7-8