Rest & Recovery

Our household is in a period of much needed rest and recovery. This week our pup underwent surgery to have him neutered and next week I will be having a c section. While both are pretty common and routine surgeries they both involve preparation beforehand and recovery after. 

Since we are taking it easy at the house it made me think of the importance of both preparation and recovery when it comes to life in general. Preparation and recovery is not something that should only be associated with surgery.  As you know, life can throw you curveball after curveball.  With so many ups and downs it is necessary to prepare and to recover each and every day in order to stay sane and connected to God. 

What does preparation and recovery look like?

First is the preparation stage which involves preparing for the good and the bad that can come.  When doing this it is important to not focus on the bad just recognize that it can happen.  2 Timothy 1:7 says, “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control.”  In fact, the phrase fear not is in the Bible 365 times. That is no mistake, it is a daily reminder!  We must lean on God for the bad times and not fear what could be.  On the flip side of that we must also prepare for when good things come. When good occurs it is important to know where it is coming from. Romans 8:28 says, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”  All good comes from the Lord and should be used to glorify Him. In other words, in the good times we should praise God and lift up His name.  We should be giving the glory to Him and Him alone. 

The second step is recovery. Although recovery is typically used in reference to resting and getting better after a big event. Recovery doesn’t just have to be from a surgery, a bad life event or even anything big at all. The recovery I am speaking of is about putting all the pieces that God has given us into their place so we can see the bigger picture. The recovery period is about perspective. It is about growing from the lessons we learn and trying to become the person God has created us to be.  

The elephant in the room when it comes to both of these is having or finding a time to complete them. Just remember it is a process and the most important part is to try.  No matter how much time we have to give to these it is worth it. If we don’t take the time to practice these then the feelings of burnout take place and feeling of being overwhelmed set in.

If you are wondering… Our pup is doing well after his surgery!