Just when we start thinking we stepped off the roller coaster, here comes another sudden drop. Robert has noticed a decrease in vision since his pancreatitis episode. Well, for the first several months he didn’t say much about it – when you aren’t spending time reading, you don’t notice changes as much. But after he returned to work and to Bible study, he started mentioning how difficult it is to read…“the print is too small”, “the lighting too low”, “it looks mottled”. Getting an ophthalmologist appointment takes time, but Robert felt the urgency and continued to call to see if there were any cancellations. His appointment was moved up 3 times! Yesterday (Valentine’s Day) I took him in – who knew you could see an ophthalmologist on a Saturday?!? After a thorough intake of information and a very thorough exam, the Dr. is referring him to a retina specialist. Robert has some ‘leakage’ in the small blood vessels in his eyes, especially the left one. This is not uncommon with diabetes, but the Dr said with the significant sudden change, he would have to consider the pancreatitis a factor. High blood pressure can also cause it…and of course, blood thinners do not help it. The Dr. is hopeful that the bleeding can be stopped through laser treatments. If his vision doesn’t improve there is surgery that can be done to remove the blood trapped in the eye fluids. Hopefully he will get an appointment with the retina specialist ASAP – the sooner the bleeding is stopped, the higher the chance of recovering vision. And we were thinking just a change of his lens prescription would make things all better.
I’m thinking the rollercoaster is just part of our life now – we don’t get off, it just slows for awhile. As long as I trust the roller coaster Designer, I’m okay with that. Only He knows the amount of wear and tear each sharp turn generates and how many sudden drops are required to GROW our faith and to “make us rely not on ourselves, but on God…” Only He knows for how long and how far without causing more harm than good. I’m still taking Him at His word – “the Lord disciplines those He loves…endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons…God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness…”
But I have noticed roller coasters seem to always be in AMUSEMENT parks…am I missing something???
~Jeanette
Things that should never be...
10 years ago
2 comments:
Roller coasters have always made me puke, so I don't find them too amusing either. James chapter one says to consider trials "pure joy." That passage has always been an encouragement to me. It seems unfathomable, yet the reward is being mature and complete in God. Your attitude is really a testimony to how we should face trials as Christians.
Amazing- I was just scanning your update real quick - and was thinking oh no not again- then your comment about amusement parks and I thot James 1= Joy! So Alysun and I are on the same wave length I guess-- So here are some more prayers for you
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