Ode to my Gallbladder

Last Monday my gallbladder was removed from my body.  The doctors simply put me to sleep, cut four small incisions in my belly, and pulled out the infected pear shaped organ and the stones that had been causing me pain.  Then they closed me back up, waited for me to awake, and sent me on my way.

It still boggles my mind that I can live without an organ that God once formed in me. Yet, I know God was a part of the removal of this organ too.  He still knows me full well and how my insides will all work together (with or without my gallbladder).

Psalm 139:13-16

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

All week I've been overwhelmed with thankfulness.  I'm so thankful for the doctors and their wisdom and skill.  For health insurance (& for my job which provides me health insurance).  For so many friends who gave of their time and energy to care for me.  For family and friends who prayed for me, sent me messages and called to wish me well.  For the gift of time and a cozy home to rest and recover in.  For very little pain.  For the sunny days.  For good books to read and good friends to share conversation with.  Oh, it was such a good week.

I've been wondering what this new post-gallbladder life will be like.  I keep envisioning changes I'd like to see and the hopefulness that comes with changes and beginnings.  The time of recovery has given some time for reflection and some post-gallbladder resolutions.  These resolutions can all be summed up with these short sentiments:

I want to live each day more fully.

I want to love others better.

And, I want to trust God more.

As the philosopher Ferris Bueller says:  "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and awhile, you could miss it."  I am thankful for this pause I was given to stop and look around.  And, I'm feeling grateful and inspired as I move ahead.

Thanks, my former gallbladder, for this gift.