The Unexpected Detours Of Life

I laid on the table, very still, in the dark room.  It was freezing cold. Silent except for the loud airplane engine like noise of the machine.
My fluid filled body jiggled. I had an insatiable child like urge to giggle. I realized I was at the mercy of the technicians expertise.

As I laid there I asked God to let there be a definitive answer. I just don't want to have a kidney biopsy. They told me I would be having one every year or two for the rest of my life. I just don't want to do it now. I don't want to spend the night in the hospital. I don't want to spend a week recovering. I want to enjoy Fall Break, Thanksgiving & Christmas with my kids. I want to enjoy my Dad while he's still here. "I simply, God, do not have time for this".

"You're all done, Mrs. Wooten. Once you get dressed I'll show you to the front". Funny, this time last year, according to my time hop phone app, I was at the beach. Most likely with Robin.  A year later? My Father is dying and my Lupus has decided it wants my kidneys to join the party. It's one celebration I really would have preferred  not to have been invited too.

After checking out I drove over to my friend's office. She had ordered my third 24 hour urine study. I had to drop my orange jug off. Her nurse saw me and waved. The lab technician took the jug and promptly said "Dang, girl! Is that all you peed?".

I've decided kidney issues run a 2nd to gynecology. There's just nothing polite or dainty about either. "Yep, that's all. I'm carrying it in my face, legs & stomach. I just thought the extra fluid would add to my beauty". Sarcasm. I'm good at it. I did my best Vanna White impression motioning to my swollen belly, chest & extremities. "Shoot, Miss Wooten, you always be looking good". Oh, how I do love these nurses. 

I walked to my car. My phone rang. "Mrs. Wooten? Hey, Dr. Kendrick wants to see you at 9 on Friday. Oh, and did the nurse send you the suggested food sheet?" She had. 

I now apparently have to ease my way into a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Not because I'm a middle aged woman trying to be hip. Nope, I'm a middle aged woman whose kidneys can no longer support my Dukan lifestyle.  My kidneys hate protein. "Are you kidding me? Seriously, God? Really? You know I'm married to the BBQ king of the South, right?! Come on!"

We have no idea what our lives hold. We can make all the plans in the world. Truth be told, He ordains our steps (Proverbs 16:9). It's what we do with the detours in life that matter. Christ has to be our foundation. If He's not we won't survive the rising flood waters. We will surely drown.

Me? I'm taking it day by day. Trying to patiently wait on the Lord to direct my path. Waiting for Him to give me a revelation as to why. {And} what am I to do now. How am I to use this latest bump in the road to serve Him? It's a detour. Hopefully, the scenery will be worth it.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor
will the flame burn you."-Isaiah 43:2