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My Left Foot with 10 Plus Screws!

I can only joke about it now — as I watch the sunrise this Monday morning. I am grateful to be here to see it.

Our conversation went like this: Really Nice Nurse: “Surgeons don’t like to work on Sundays.” (Me) Really Sick and NOT so nice Pastor:  “And that’s why I officiate most of my funerals on Tuesdays.” She called the surgeon. I suspect I should quit reading articles like: ‘Weekend Effect:’ Hospital Patients Admitted On Weekends More Likely To Die, Study Suggests

I am working on my gratitude list this Monday a.m.

  1. A nurse that cared.
  2. A surgeon that DID come in on a Sunday night.
  3. A wife that put up with my less than Jesus demeanor.
  4. A President that courageously battled for an affordable care act for we spiritual entrepreneurs, and otherwise.
  5. A faithful hospital chaplain that offered a majestic pre-surgery prayer (my own son).
  6. Neighbors and fellow disciples to encourage us with words and presence
  7. A gift card of love from my Dallas Forge tribe of fellow missionary journeyers.
  8. A meal and healing prayer from my deacon and friend.
  9. My pastor’s thoughtfulness to extend her day and come to pray.
  10. A life giving surgery and God’s grace to journey a few more days on this side.

As I reflect on the “Kairos” that began on Thursday with a “screw gone bad” in my foot, the result of my chemotherapy neuropathy, and the now bone infection, a recurrence of 14 months ago, and subsequently now three days in the hospital, I am fighting for reason in the chaos, realizing that may not come. I am leaning into the words I share with those I disciple, “What is God saying and what will I do about it?” My hard drive is still spinning.

Before I go all Lamentations on you :), the good news is that the surgeon removed the screw from my toe which was causing the infection and cleaned out the bacteria. Upon returning from surgery, the healing appears to have started right away. It does seem that the infection was in the bone and so I will have to do the daily IV anabiotic’s for the next couple of months. We will cross that bridge later in the week.

I am hopefully going to be discharged on Tuesday.

Thanks for your thoughts and prayers for Sharon and me. If we need anything we will let you know.

For now I am trying to take encouragement and perhaps try and live the words from James the disciple, “I, James, am a slave of God and the Master Jesus, writing to the twelve tribes scattered to Kingdom Come: Hello! Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. — James 1:1-4

May it be so with me — and you,

Jim Mustain

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  1. Kay March 23, 2015 at 7:12 pm · ·

    Surgeon coming in on Sunday night – – God is still in the miracle business! I’m a big fan of gratitude journals and this post has reminded me of these words from Ephesians 3:20-21 “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

    • lovingcommunity March 24, 2015 at 11:24 am · ·

      Proverbs 15:23 “Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time!” Constantly am thankful for your friendship and steadfastness in the faith.

  2. cherokeechica1 March 24, 2015 at 6:25 pm · ·

    Though it has been a while since New Life, I remember you with much love and respect. I know our God is doing something fantastic, though it may now be hidden from view our sight.
    Much love and many hugs and Prayers for your family.
    Holly Long

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