My momma is busy this month so I am writing the blog for her. I thought long and hard, and I decided to tell you about some lessons I recently learned from my surgery adventure! Sadie
On the afternoon of my surgery, when Momma came to pick me up, the Vet Techs brought me out wearing the “cone of shame” so I wouldn’t bite or lick my stitches!! I felt so embarrassed and ashamed. I couldn’t even look at anyone; I just stood there in the middle of the Waiting Room with my head down. Momma was trying to get me to come so that she could take me to the car, but I just kept looking down at the ground unable to move an inch. When she tried to get me in the car—I didn’t want to get in; when she got me home—I didn’t want to get out. I was mortified, and I was miserable. When I finally got to my room, Momma gently removed the cone and said she would watch to make sure I did not bite or lick my incision. As soon as the cone came off–I felt free!! I felt joyful and happy again even though I was in pain! Momma said it reminded her of how she feels when she’s guilty of doing something wrong and ashamed for doing it. She said she asks God to help and He does. The Bible says in Hebrews 8:12, “For I will be merciful toward their iniquities and I will remember their sins no more.” LESSON #1—Don’t allow Satan to keep you stuck in your guilt and shame. Ask God’s forgiveness; He will take away your guilt and give you back your joy!!!
After the cone was removed, I got under the bed. It was dark and I could be alone in my misery. Mom was always there with me. Sometimes she just sat up on the bed and read. Sometimes she got down on the floor to look under the bed and talk softly to me. Even then, I didn’t want to come out. I was in pain; I was whimpering, but I didn’t want to come out to get the medicine that would help me feel better. I don’t know why– maybe I was afraid; maybe I felt anxious, but I just didn’t want to come right then. I know now that it was a silly thing to do, and I know that you think I was silly not to get the help, but don’t you do that, too?! Often, when you are in pain, you know God is right there to help you, but you don’t want to come and get the relief He is offering to you. Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” LESSON #2—Don’t stay in the dark and suffer with your pain. God is right there to help you!
We left for Charleston a few days later, and I learned pretty quickly that the “cone of shame” was not there to shame me at all but to protect me. Momma said she had to have me wear it again when my “joy” got to be a bit out of control!! I was having so much fun doing what I wanted to do that I forgot about my stitches. Momma put the cone on so that I would not be able to get to all the places that I wanted to go—like under bushes or in the pool! She said places like that could do harm to me and my stitches. The cone slowed me down. I didn’t like it, but I had to trust that Momma knew what she was doing—even though I didn’t understand why I couldn’t do what I wanted to do. She was right; wearing it did allow my tummy to heal. God says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes. . .Proverbs 3:5-7a. LESSON #3—Don’t get so excited about doing what you want to do that you get upset with God for doing what is best for you. He may be putting the “cone” on to keep you out of danger or to allow you to heal. Trust Him; He knows what He’s doing!!!
The End!
