Making Progress

“Can I have a cup of cold water, please?” I am standing at the table clutching my walker handles, yet just about to transfer to the chair. Marcia is heating the pizza left-overs in the microwave and turns towards me. Said very matter-in-fact, “Why don’t you get it yourself?” I stand speechless as my brain processes the statement; then I come back to reality: YES! I can get my own cup of water. So I did.

They say you form a new habit in twenty-one days. I beg to differ a new  number, based off these latest life events, and give it less than fourteen. Of course, the need and dependency on others for even a cup of cold water played the lead role in this habit, but still, a habit formed and now is in process of returning to the more “normal” Mel–just as the rest of the body after sitting for two weeks. It’s a mind and body game of recovery.

Monday, after my first session of Physical Therapy, a motto was formulated: “Making progress!” There have been times of major moments and minor detailed ones. I got my stitches out on Tuesday, had Occupational Therapy and another PT session today. I can get myself out of chairs and bed without assistance, bonus being able to just roll over in my sleep now that the brace is gone. I can dress myself, somewhat make my bed (it used to look better), get my food from the pantry or utensils from the cupboard and wheel them on my walker to the table. I can get a cup of cold water.

But it is still only the start of regaining strength. After today’s session of repetition PT exercises, I felt the muscles ache and wanted just to sit again. But where would that lead in making progress? If I ran (not literally) from every obstacle in life, where is the endurance? The hope in suffering–my weakness is His strength.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:9-11