Last week was a good week and I had a great weekend. I was able to spend some time with all of my family and to have a good time at church as well. My back has been feeling good. I think that I pushed my boundaries a little bit though this past weekend and did something I should not have done. I did not lift anything heavy, I did not run or make any sudden movements but I did do something that reminded me I am still recovering from back surgery. I got down on the floor and laid on my stomach to color in a coloring book with my granddaughter. As I laid there it became evident very quickly that I was not quite ready for this position. My lower back was not ready to bend at the angle that this position required. I had to roll to my side and get back up to a chair. Apparently it will be a few more months before my body is ready to get on the floor and play with my granddaughter. I will probably have to go through some physical therapy before I am able to play on the rug with her and I know that it will be at least 3 to 4 more months before I am able to pick her up and hold her again. I have been tempted to pick her up several times in the last 3 months but I know that this is against the rules. I still have the restriction not to lift anything that weighs over ten pounds as it may jeopardize my recovery. While my granddaughter is small, she is definitely over 10 pounds! And I really would love to pick her up! It is so hard not to pick her up when she reaches out those little arms!
Sometimes there are things that that we are tempted to do but that we know are not good for us. Those are the times that we must be strong! During those times I think of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 1 Cor. 10:13
For me the way to endure it is to know that if I follow the rules now, I will be able to do so much more in the years to come with my granddaughter and with her little sister who is scheduled to arrive sometime in late October. So, in the meantime, we will color at the kitchen table and I will be content to let others place my little munchkin next to me on the couch when we watch TV. I can overcome the temptation to do those things that are not good for me because the Lord has better things in store for me down the road.
I don’t know what temptation you may be fighting, but I know that the consequences usually outweigh the momentary pleasures found in giving in to that temptation. Stand firm, ask the Lord for the strength to do the things you are supposed to do and to avoid the things you are not to do. I know that the Lord will provide a way out. He will help you fight that temptation; He has your back.
If you would like to know more about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you can send me an email directly at pastorpstephens@aol.com
God has your back! 
I must have had the same surgery around the same time as you. I go back for a twelve week appointment on Tuesday. I’m hoping for good news. Do you have to take meds at this point? I still do, and I’m hoping that doesn’t mean that I’m not healing well.
Hi Jill, I haven’t had any meds in several weeks. I do wake up with a stiff middle back and sometimes it extends over to my ribs but it seems to go away after I get up and move around. On the times it extends to my ribs it is on days where I think I over did things, or I laid in bed extra early watching a movie without my brace. I think that wearing the brace tight puts pressure on my side and I think I am getting some atrophy in some of my muscles. I go back in 3 more weeks for my 3 month check up – first afternoon appointment they could work me in on. I had a friend who had the same surgery 5 years agoa and she took meds for about 4 – 5 months. And she ended up with an excellent outcome, she is an avide runner. So, I would not worry. By the way, great picture of your son! Good luck at your appointment, may you have good news and may God bless you, your son and all those you care about.
OH, I know exactly what you mean about picking up the little one. I have a two-year-old son. He reaches out for me all the time. Recently, I was able to hold him in the pool. It was heavenly for both of us. I almost cried.