This weekend has been incredibly hectic and hard to deal with–one of those, “Hey Nikki, it’s time to learn a lesson in humility,” weekends. My husband was injured during a soccer game a few months ago and we were finally able to get his ACL reconstruction surgery done on Friday. We were not prepared for how tough the surgery and recovery would be. We honestly thought that we would be at the hospital for a few hours and then he would rest for a day or so and then be back on his feet for school and everything this coming Monday. Haha…yeah…we have no clue what we were thinking.
Here’s what really happened: 7+ hours at the hospital, shaking uncontrollably as he tried to come out of the anesthesia, an endless list of instructions and precautions for his wounds, a giant brace, an ice/water tank that he has to be hooked to 24 hours a day for 3 days, bottles and bottles of pain medication, waking every 2/4/6 hours to administer the medication or change the water, attempting to not collapse while using crutches, constant and unbearable pain, moaning, inability to move around on his own, etc. (I’m sure anyone who has gone through a major surgery can relate!) Then top it all off with a 7 month old baby who needs constant care and doesn’t like to sleep through the night, and you have a small glimpse of my world for the past 48 hours. No complaints–just filling you in!
In the midst all of the tasks and duties and emotions, I have learned a few little lessons. I wish more than anything that I could take my husband’s pain away, but I know that I can’t. It is hard to accept that I am basically helpless, other than providing him company and perhaps temporary relief here and there. I have learned of the humility it requires to be a servant (so to speak), and how difficult it can be to keep a positive attitude when he needs something every few minutes, and then my baby also needs my love and attention. (You may be asking how I have time to be writing a blog post and getting a new printable up–I’m at my only break for the night: right between feeding my baby and giving my husband his meds! Yay for a few minutes alone!)
A scripture kept coming to my head as I thought about the pain that my husband is so gracefully enduring: (Alma 7:11) – “And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.”
I am learning that Christ has endured all things for us, including our own physical pain. Too often I consider the Atonement to be a tool only for my sins and errors, but the scriptures are clear that our Savior suffered these pains so he could “know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Alma 7:12) His purpose in giving His life and suffering unbelievable humiliation and abuse and pain was so that we can find relief, comfort, and support. Because Christ knows what my husband is feeling and going through, He can aid and provide healing for him. And while the Lord heals and strengthens my husband, He comforts me as I struggle with my afflictions during this adversity in our lives.
I am so grateful for the Atonement. I know Christ lives and that He is the Son of God. I know my family can be together forever because of the covenants that we have made that we strive to keep daily. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that it testifies of the Bible and of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
How has this verse helped you through physical, emotional, or spiritual trials? Please leave your comments; I’d love to hear!
LDS Printables 