By Benton Heisler, West Michigan Conference Director of Connectional Ministries
A surgeon recently used his team’s knowledge, skill and unique tools to remove bone growth in three of my vertebrae. The new space he created ended the pain that for four months had limited my activities, distracted my attention and disheartened my spirit.
Choosing surgery wasn’t a simple decision; other treatment options were tried first.
I was told that in my situation, “it is highly unlikely, but complications and constant pain were possible and rarely, but nonetheless sometimes, people die as a result of the anesthesia.”
I didn’t die.
There has been complete relief of the pain and so far in the healing process there have been no complications. I chose the unknown pain of change and a 4” incision instead of the pain I was familiar with if I stayed the same.
Similar choices and challenges face all of us.
Many who are reading this are leaders in our UMC congregations and the Michigan Area conferences. You know full well the pain associated with decline and struggle.
Choosing surgery wasn’t a simple decision; other treatment options were tried first.
I was told that in my situation, “it is highly unlikely, but complications and constant pain were possible and rarely, but nonetheless sometimes, people die as a result of the anesthesia.”
I didn’t die.
There has been complete relief of the pain and so far in the healing process there have been no complications. I chose the unknown pain of change and a 4” incision instead of the pain I was familiar with if I stayed the same.
Similar choices and challenges face all of us.
Many who are reading this are leaders in our UMC congregations and the Michigan Area conferences. You know full well the pain associated with decline and struggle.
