wisdome and truth for those in the waiting room

[pellicle]

This could be placed in all of the forums here, but I thought I would place it here.

It does not matter if you who read this do or do not believe in God for there is wisdom in this prayer which goes to all who are Humanistic as much as Theologically inspired.

God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.

our anxiety is deeply rooted in our desire to return to normal and be over this 'horrible time'. Truth is that this is not a horrible time. Most here have a 98% chance of being able to live. Something denied to those only 50 years before us. It is also something which happens to many others, and our negative feelings may be based on "why did this happen to me".

Car accidents, diabetes (genetic, or even acquired from your foul sugar laden diet), cancer from who knows which gamma particle ... the list of 'accidents' goes on. All are the same source of being in the hospital and taken away from normal life.

Reflect on the prayer above (Christian or otherwise) and put that reflection into your current thoughts. Try to find some thing which enriches your life out of the situation you are in, for richness in life can come in many forms (other than chocolate ice-cream).

(hmm, even if I can't spell wisdom nor edit the subject ;-)

 

[big_L]

Amen.

Your post reminds me of one of my favorite books. Especially the chapter "Pain in inevitable, suffering is optional".

 

[epstns]

Let me expand on one of pellicle's points. He states that "Most here have a 98% chance of being able to live." More than that, most have a chance to live even better than before. Even with all the "speed bumps" I hit on the road to recovery (afib, pacemaker, intestinal issues, being re-admitted to hospital, hernia, back issues. . . ), my life now is better than it had been for the several years leading up to surgery. In addition, had I not opted for the valve surgery, I would probably have by now a very limited future (as in "don't buy any green bananas."). My father died from what I believe to have been the same heart issue (BAV, aortic stenosis) when he was just a couple of years older than I am now.

We are here because we have made a choice. Deeply woven into this process of discernment and choice is the faith that not only will our medical/technical care teams bring us successfully though these trying times, but that somehow we are being watched and cared for by a Supreme Being. Call Him by whatever name you prefer, but having unwavering faith that you will come through this well makes all the difference in the world.

 

[ski girl]

Well said pellicle and Steve

 

[Agian]

I agree with what you say Steve. But, can I make a comment? If the Supreme Being is all powerful, then isn't He just as responsible for the things that go wrong? It could be that what we see as negative is for the greater good, and part of a greater plan, which we cannot know. In which case, why would our prayers be answered, as opposed to those that aren't? I have no doubt that the Universe is intelligent and I am sort of convinced that we survive our death. However, I'm sceptical that pleas to a greater being can change what was meant to be.

 

[pellicle]

I deliberately left the supreme being out of this cos "he" gives and takes with equal impunity. He took my wife without a word. Then there was the infection granted by his loving grace.

(cloud of resentment / frustration / anger / sadness)

So "Fear God" but don't rely on God to bring it your way. Even Jesus got the cross.

PS: if unwavering faith gets anyone to front up the all the better. To me its crutches.

 

[pellicle]

Let me expand on one of pellicle's points. He states that "Most here have a 98% chance of being able to live." More than that, most have a chance to live even better than before.

Well said!

I place my faith in the medical teams, as I know they are trying to save my life. God on the other hand will do as god wants. My death on the table could equally be "his" plan ... if there is a plan at that level of detail.

 

[Agian]

... Especially sadness.

 

[ottagal]

Well said and great insight, Pellicle.

This could be placed in all of the forums here, but I thought I would place it here.

It does not matter if you who read this do or do not believe in God for there is wisdom in this prayer which goes to all who are Humanistic as much as Theologically inspired.



our anxiety is deeply rooted in our desire to return to normal and be over this 'horrible time'. Truth is that this is not a horrible time. Most here have a 98% chance of being able to live. Something denied to those only 50 years before us. It is also something which happens to many others, and our negative feelings may be based on "why did this happen to me".

Car accidents, diabetes (genetic, or even acquired from your foul sugar laden diet), cancer from who knows which gamma particle ... the list of 'accidents' goes on. All are the same source of being in the hospital and taken away from normal life.

Reflect on the prayer above (Christian or otherwise) and put that reflection into your current thoughts. Try to find some thing which enriches your life out of the situation you are in, for richness in life can come in many forms (other than chocolate ice-cream).

(hmm, even if I can't spell wisdom nor edit the subject ;-)

 

[kimcdougc]

Agian, I believe in God and his son Jesus Christ. Thanks for your comment. I must say for me personally, I have experienced my prayers being answered very specifically. So there is no doubt for me that God exists. Just my two cents worth. Blessings to you.

AVR May 23, 2013. On-x 21mm valve. Dr. Glenn Barnhart, Swedish Medical Center, Cherry Hill location, Seattle, WA. 53 year old female. In the waiting room 10 years.

 

[Agian]

Blessings to you too.

 

[epstns]

Agian, Our Supreme Being (however we see or name Him of Her) is, I guess, the only One who sees and knows the plan. We may ask, beg or plead our individual cases but just as often happens in a court of law, we sometimes "lose." Many ancient Hebrew prayers begin with the phrase "If it be Your will. . . " I think that is what they are implying - that it may or may not be the Supreme Being's will.

I also agree with pellicle - If I were to view my own life through the vision of only a Being's response to prayer, sometimes mine are answered and sometimes mine are not only ignored but sometimes what I have received was far the opposite of what I wanted. I guess we just don't see the whole picture. . .

 

[Agian]

I sort-of agree with you Steve. If the Supreme Being is all-knowing, then there would be no need to outline our request in words. He would know what we sought, before it even crossed our minds. I think people pray because it makes them feel closer to God, and gives them solace in their time of need. There is evidence that prayer does indeed help in sickness, but this might have more to do with the intent of the person praying. If I know that I'm going into surgery whilst people that care about me are wishing me well it can't hurt, right?