Sitting in my car as my husband drove me home from the hospital after what was to be a simple carpal tunnel surgery, I glanced down at the large cast on my hand that ran up my arm to my elbow, wondering what on earth had happened.
Before surgery, I was told it was to be a small bandage and a few hours of recovery. That was what happened with my carpal tunnel surgery for my other hand 10 years ago. Staring out the window of the car, I was feeling sorry for myself and wondering how I was going be able to go away for a scheduled four day intensive writing retreat in just three days. Then, I remembered what the doctor told me – “if I get in there and I have to do to a bigger incision, I will need to do it.”
I signed off, trusting his professional expertise and praying for an easy ½” incision like my right hand had. Out of surgery, I remember hearing the medical staff murmuring and recall that I was repeatedly asking about the size of the incision.
The pain from my last surgery was simple and painless. As I recall, 20 minutes out of surgery I was back at work, speaking to birth mothers on the phone. No pain medication was needed and I healed without a scar.
It was at the moment I asked the Lord why I did I have to have this big ugly cross cut on my wrist, that the answer came back to me in a quiet gentle voice. “I also had to face a cross; you have a small reminder of the cross I faced, because of my love. It is to help you remember my love for you.”
I had an instant peace and also felt a silent embarrassment over worrying about a scar when I thought of the scars and pain the Lord suffered for me.
What reminders do you have of the love the Lord has for you?
Today, thank Him for his sacrifice and love.
Scripture for today:
Jesus took our place and was punished for all our sins when He died on that wooden cross.
…He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
…the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Isaiah 53:5-6
Founder of Lifetime Adoption, adoptive mom, adoption expert, and Certified Open Adoption Practitioner (C.O.A.P).
Since 1986, adoption expert Mardie Caldwell has been dedicated to bringing couples and birth parents together in order to fulfill their dreams.
“Many years ago, I was also searching for a child to adopt. We didn’t know where or how to get started. Through research, determination, and a prayer, our dream of a family became reality. I started with a plan, a notebook, assistance from a caring adoption consultant and a lot of hard work; this was my family I was building. We had a few heartaches along the way, but the pain of not having children was worse!
Within weeks we had three different birth mothers choose us. We were overwhelmed and delighted. Many unsettling events would take place before our adoption would be finalized, many months later. Little did I know that God was training and aligning me for the adoption work I now do today. It is my goal to share with our families the methods and plans which succeed and do not succeed. I believe adoption should be affordable and can be a wonderful “pregnancy” for the adoptive couple.
I have also been on both sides of infertility with the loss of seven pregnancies and then conceiving by new technology, giving birth to a healthy daughter. I have experienced first-hand the emotional pain of infertility and believe my experience allows me to serve your needs better.
It is my hope that for you, the prospective parents, your desire for a child will be fulfilled soon.”
