It had been five days since Dan had his hip surgery.

Today was the day we would be tearing off the bandages.

His father and I supported him as he stood briefly in front of the mirror to examine the scars.

After today, the multiple stitches would no longer be covered.

The wound would be exposed.

When the next morning came, my youngest son was in even more pain.

Removing the barrier of the bandage left him vulnerable.

Healing would take time.

Even though we know that healing is a process, it almost makes us want to cover the wound back up again.

Over the course of the next 6 weeks, he will be moving about gingerly with his crutches until he gains his strength back.

Many of us try to cover our wounds.

The ones we can see and the ones that remain invisible to the eye.

We do not want to expose our brokenness to the world.

Because when we tear off the bandages, we experience more pain.

Busyness, like a bandage, might serve as a barrier to shield the hurt.

Food, shopping, substances, unhealthy relationships can also cover pain.

The list is long.

In our most painful moments, God whispers.

God tells us in His word that He is close to those who are broken.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”  Psalm 147:3 ESV

Notice that God does not say He will make sure that we don’t experience pain in this world.

But in His word, our heavenly Father tells us that He will be our strength.

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 ESV

As a mother, I wish that I could have prevented the suffering that my son had to endure.

All I can do I remain close as he heals.

When we are hurt by this world, we may also walk gingerly until we regain our strength.

But take heart, friends.

There will come a day when we will no longer work hard to hide our brokenness.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall

 there be mourning, not crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Revelation 21:4 ESV

Until that day comes, may He be your strength.

Amen.

.