Today, January 25, is known in the Church as the feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. It commemorates the event reported in Acts when Paul (or as he was then known, Saul) was knocked off his horse and struck blind, which caused him to give up his persecution of Christians and become one of the pillars of the Church.
In speaking with people over the years who have undergone a conversion experience, some have commented that it was a “knock off the horse” event. Others have said it was a gradual, quiet process of coming to know they are on the right path. When I read a comment on faith this week it struck me that I’ve had a quiet reassurance throughout this current illness that everything will be okay. There has been a notable absence of anxiety about what comes next. There has been a peaceful recognition that I am in good hands. I’m grateful for that. Being anxious probably does not help the healing process!
The cataract surgery is complete. On Thursday my right eye got its new lens. Vision is still a little foggy but I am aware that each day my vision is more clear. The technology and speed with which the whole process is accomplished is amazing. Also amazing is the number of people in the waiting room. It would be interesting to know how many patients pass through that ophthalmic clinic each day. With nine doctors on the staff I am sure the statistics would be amazing.
This coming week I’ll return to my optometrist for a check-up to make sure there is no infection and then a few weeks later receive a new prescription for my lenses. It’s wonderful to be able to see clearly again, even though I have a little struggle with which part of my trifocals is the best for any given task.
The week has been a rather lazy time. The cataract surgery prevents me from some of the exercise to which I am accustomed. The schedule of appointments interfere with some of my usual activities. It appears that little regard is made for the agenda of persons of my age. Those who make the appointments evidently assume I have nothing else to do. I detect some strange reactions when I announce that I am not available at a certain time. Much of the time it is a look which says “what else are you going to do?” If only they knew!
I have found that it is very easy to sit around, doze off, and basically laze away a whole afternoon. I really don’t want to do that. There are too many things to read, to see, to ponder. My days have always been very busy. One or two days off seem like a pleasure. More than that seem indulgent. I do need to keep active. I know how far down one can go physically if one does not keep up an active routine. I also know how hard it is to work back up to one’s previously level of activity. I look forward to getting back into the usual routine. I have tried really hard to walk 2 to 3 miles each day. The safest place to do that, given the ice and snow and cold, is at the fitness center. It is also a chance to see and visit with others. I try to take advantage of that every day that I can.
Monday I have CT scans and an MRI. Let’s hope and pray that they show good things are happening inside me. The last scans were positive. I feel these will be also.
Thank you for sharing time with me and for your thoughts and prayers.
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