Eye Surgery
Recently I have been recovering from eye surgery. For a little background, in January of this year during my annual eye exam my right eye was a little blurry. The blurriness was attributed to floaters, which I’ve had for years. As the year progressed, my vision in my right eye became increasingly blurry. So, I went to my ophthalmologist. Upon examination, he discovered I had a “macular hole.” Immediately, he sent me to a retina specialist. His examination confirmed the diagnoses, and surgery was scheduled. So, at the end of June I had eye surgery.
Surgery is one thing. Healing, and doing what is required to heal is another. I had to keep my head down almost 100% of the time the first week, and in the second week I had to do it 50% of the time. Yes, that also includes sleeping on my stomach with my face down. All of which means I’m useless! The time for healing is about 8 weeks. In the meantime, my right eye is so blurry I can’t see an arm’s length away from me.
I only say this to make some observations about things I, or maybe we, take for granted. I know sight is necessary but now I know how precious sight really is. I’ve had surgeries in the past and they didn’t bother me, but for this one I was anxious. Sight is so precious. Not only would it affect my vision but also my equilibrium. Balance can be a challenge sometimes. Sight is so key to our living. Sometimes it is the blind who can really see and those who have sight that are blind (John 9).
The next thing I noticed I take for granted, is our Sunday morning and Wednesday evening worship among the saints. For Jody and me, it’s a key component to who we are. Well, driving became an issue. With Jody’s recent knee replacement, driving was a challenge for her too. Streaming is at best, a band-aid. Being with God’s people is precious. It becomes so routine that I take it for granted. Not only the time in God’s word, but the touch of God’s people. I realized how much I need that. I know there are exceptions, but it is curious to me how God’s people exist without God’s people. Streaming doesn’t get it done!
Then, there’s the simple everyday things that we do without thought that become a challenge when going through a procedure. Exercise is limited because of weight restrictions. Yard work, which I love, is non-existent, beyond hand watering my plants. Bible studies with people have been put on hold. Preaching, which is my heartbeat, is on hiatus. It’s hard to relent and let others do these things. Even being able to get out and go to Whataburger is delayed for a time.
I am confident that my eyesight will return. It may not be 20/20 but it will be functional. All of this reminds me I am not invincible. It reminds me I am getting older. I can only do what I can do, when I can do it. I know the Lord’s work will go on whether I am able to be part of it or not. Like David, all I can do is what I can do in my generation.
This is not about being sad. It is life. Ultimately, I am reminded that the Lord is Lord, and not me. I am blessed by Him.
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