Whether intentionally designed or circumstantially created there are seasons in life where the Pause Button gets pushed, allowing for some life-space to exist which might not be quite evident or available.
Now is one of those times in my life.
I tend to avoid drawing attention to myself where possible. However, in this case it is hard to prevent. Allow me to explain.
For the past year or so, I have experienced several acute incidences of plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of the fascia on the bottom of my left foot. When a flare-up occurs, walking on it is difficult and painful, especially first thing in the morning when emerging from bed.
The initial occurrence came in late March of last year. The inflammation was so bad the podiatrist to whom I was introduced would not treat me with a cortisone injection due to the severity of the case, as the foot tissue was hot to the touch and visibly red. A return visit a couple of weeks later allowed for the inflammation to decrease and an injection administered.
A month after the original treatment, round two presented itself with injection two administered immediately. The normal course of treatment follows along baseball rules, three strikes and you are out.
A couple of months had passed and the issue seemed to dissipate.
However, in the latter part of the summer another incident occurred. A subsequent trip to the podiatrist suggested an injection, but after talking through it I declined to save the final shot for a more pressing need. This occurred soon thereafter – strike three and I was out.
Translation, no more cortisone injections were allowed by treatment protocol and other options had to be explored.
My doctor asked me if I had a history of rolling my ankle while playing sports or the like.
Bingo, he was onto something!
While playing basketball in high school (over 45 years ago) I recalled rolling my left ankle on a least three and possibly five occasions.
The proof was in the proverbial pudding!
The treatment back in the day was to X-Ray the foot. If it was not broken, ice it, elevate it, rest it, and play again when ready. I recall using crutches on several occasions to get around, but never broke it.
In my current case, the root cause of the plantar fasciitis episodes I have experienced was identified. The MRI test confirmed the doctor’s suspicions and surgery became the option.
In late April, 2021 I had surgery on my left ankle targeting two issues.
First, the highly weakened and damaged ligaments on the outside of the left ankle were repaired by installing an Internal Brace, a device which acts like a seatbelt to keep the ankle stable and from further rolling.
I now consider myself bionic.
Second, the doctor surgically removed some of the fascia on the bottom of my left foot.
For the first week until a few days ago, the Air-Cast was to remain on 24×7 and I was to place no weight on the foot whatsoever while also keeping it dry.
The doctor ordered the use of a knee roller device so that I can get around. It worked for a day, but caused my left knee to cramp in the back and resulted in a mild sprain to the knee.
Earlier this year, I had an injection in each of my knees which also played into the recovery variables.
You might be thinking, this dude is falling apart.
Think what you want, but I see it as being re-tooled up for the stretch run and there is plenty of runway left for me to travel.
In Rocky Balboa, the last of the Rocky movies, Rocky makes a statement to his son – “It’s not how many times you get hit I life, it is how many times you get hit and get back up that counts. That is how winning is done.”
For me, I am in the process of getting back up and moving forward!
I also had crutches available from a previous injury and I was able to get around for a few days until the pressure on my right knee made it swell.
Fortunately, option three was available and a friend lent us the use of a wheelchair which helped me navigate for a couple of days without causing further injuries.
As to my recovery, so far so good. The post-op pain has been minimal and according to my first post-op visit to see Doctor M, my recovery is on track.
He instructed me to put weight on the foot with the use of the crutches while continuing to wear the Air-Cast 24×7, with the exception of when I shower which is a new blessing to me.
I have weened off the pain meds with the exception of a twice daily aspirin.
I was under the false impression that I was restricted from driving for the first six weeks. I was ecstatic when the good doctor informed me I could drive when it suits me. I have not done so yet, but plan to this weekend.
Why do I share this with you?
My hope is to be an encouragement to you in whatever you may be facing be it your day-to-day world or whether you are experiencing a pause button moment in your own life.
During this process, it has become overwhelmingly apparent to me that the little things are the big things.
In addition to God’s healing power being applied to my ankle, in many respects it will be a process of successive steps (little things) or mileposts accomplished over time which will culminate in my full recovery (big things).
For the first week of my recovery, I was only allowed to sponge bathe. Not bad, but not what I preferred.
When I was given the green light to take a regular shower (seated), I took a moment to thank God for the blessing and was at the point of tears as the warm water descended upon me – I was overwhelmed by the the little thing I took for granted as it became a big thing.
Jackie has been God’s blessing in my life since I met her in 1975.
In this case, she has been an angelic messenger with an invisible nurses cap, lovingly caring for me in every way possible during this momentary pause in my life.
She has prepared meals, kept the meds coming as scripted, prayed for me, helped me in the shower (there are fringe benefits to this recovery), and she has been a great encouragement to me while juggling her work schedule and taking on the full scope of domestic duties without my assistance.
Her ministry to me has been a culmination of little things which have become big things.
Honey, I thank you and love you for who you are!
Yesterday I emerged from the house with the aid of my crutches and Jackie’s assistance, I caught the scent of a spring breeze, and walked to the corner to retrieve the mail.
Such a little thing became a big thing.
As I sit here and write, the lawn mowing service is cutting the grass. A momentary thought of having to do this job myself in my present condition shouted to me that a little thing is truly a big thing against the backdrop of the current scenario.
As I have started feeling better, I have made good use of the extra time on my hands. I have taken the opportunity on several occasions to simply sit and listen to what God wants to say to me.
No agenda.
Sit-quiet myself-listen.
At first the silence was deafening.
After a few moments tears rolled down my face as knew I was invited into a holy moment with my Father. I longed for more. This by far painted the picture of a little thing becoming a big thing.
Immediately prior to sitting down to write this post, a friend of mine sent me a text in which he encouraged me with a Scripture verse that so aptly applied to what I had on my heart to write to you today.
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT)
As I am closing this writing time, a new song, Million Little Miracles, by Elevation Worship and Maverick City is playing in the background. A link is provided below if you care to tune into the heart of its message.
The lyrics help me to reflect on how the little things are the big things.
“I’ve got miracles on miracles…a million little miracles…count your miracles….1-2-3-4 I can’t even count ‘em all.”
Whatever may be going on in your world take a deep breath, give into the moment, and reflect on the truth that the little things are the big things however this may translate in your own life.
Until next time….be blessed.