I have been thinking much of skeletons lately, specifically my own skeleton (I remember C. S. Lewis mentioning, somewhere, that he found it hard to believe he even had a skeleton. I used to feel the same way). If you missed my previous announcement, I’ve been diagnosed with avascular osteonecrosis (bone death), and I will be going in to have my right hip replaced tomorrow morning.
An unpleasant experience generally, but salutary, I think. I am now the old codger with crutches who blocks supermarket aisles, a character who’s always irritated me. Though no macho guy, I’ve always had strong legs, and it’s a shock to be unable to get around easily on my own power. Thus does God humble us.
If the worst should happen, which is always a possibility, what would I want my readers to remember as my final message?
I think it would be, “Don’t try too hard to be loved.” Love is important; love is central to everything (God is love). But real love comes as a byproduct of virtue. Seeking love for its own sake, out of a fear of being left alone, is not only wrong but generally counterproductive. Do what’s right, and you’ll attract the love of people whose love will enrich you.
This is what is wrong with the church today, I believe. It values being loved (by people) over being faithful. Remember, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you.” First things first.
But assuming this isn’t my swan song, I’ll probably be posting again sometime next week.
God save you Mr. Walker. I’ll be praying.
Just don’t blog while high on morphine, okay?
You have my prayers for an uneventful surgery and a rapid recovery.
Praying for the surgery to go well, and for rapid healing.
Tonight and Tomorrow I will be burning a candle and submitting a specific prayer for the Grace of God to guide your surgery and to reassure your sense of well being. This evening and tomorrow the Ancient Christian Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates the Life and Ministry of the Three Holy Hierarchs: St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory the Theologian, and St. John Chrysostom. The living witness of these holy men helped shape the foundation of Church doctrine and preserved the integrity of the Nicene Creed against heresy and paganism. The sole reason that Love exists is that it is manifested and maintained within the Holy Trinity. It is out of this Divine and Holy relationship that Jesus Christ became Incarnate and enabled us to Love as Christ Loved us with His Life and Ministry, His Death, and His Resurrected Life Eternal. The wellspring of Love manifested by the Holy Trinity is everlasting and is a means of Grace by which Christians can share with one another and All mankind. May you feel this Divine Love, that passes all human understanding, in your deepest felt need before, during and after your surgery and be reassured that that Divine Love will never let you go. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Glory be to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Lars, thank you for your uplifting message here. I expect you’ll be going to the supermarket with no problems in a reasonably short time. And if you block an aisle, so what? Tell them a Viking tale of two hips! (:
I’ll be looking forward to the “interesting” posts you make while on painkillers 🙂
Hush, Phil, let’s see how it plays out.
Seriously praying. God is sovereign, even over surgeons, no matter what they tell you.
Yeesh. God bless you.
Can we get an update on how Mr. Walker’s surgery went on Friday?
Just now on Facebook, he said, “This recovery process does involve feeling better at some point, right?”
I’m sure he’ll give us the appropriate details at some point. Everything looks good so far and his recovery will take a bit of time.