When he was asked what was the secret of an energized life Dr. Norman Vincent Peale said, “Christ is the answer.” Reminding us that in John, we read, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” When I focus on Christ as the divinity in humankind and God as divine energy expressing in each of us, I live and move and have my being. And the next time I feel sluggish or tired, I’ll pick myself up remembering what it means to have a life filled with energy, exuberance, and joy.

Two years ago I had a hysterectomy. I was 63 years old. It was elective surgery due to a fibroid tumor on my uterus. My doctor said my life would be improved “100%,” her words. It was not. In fact the past two years have not been nearly as good as I expected for it took me months to get over the anesthesia; I gained more weight than expected; and I developed pain in my lower abdomen. Because I had a colonoscopy a few weeks before and because my doctor did extensive tests before the surgery, I was assured that I was in good health before going under. So when the pain started a few days after the surgery and continued, I called the doctor and made an appointment. After a sonogram and physical exam I was told it was phantom pain. But I never had pain before the surgery. So I was perplexed. Now two years later the pain is still present and intensified at times.

I am not one to let pain interfere with my life as those that know me can attest. I spent the last few days meditating and visualizing the pain, thanking it for being present so that I could come to resolution for its presence. I knew that it was a direct result of the surgery and never considered other reasons, but felt I needed an answer to what it was. Because I do a lot of research online, I was not afraid to look up my symptoms (although doctors tell us not to make diagnosis online). I went to WebMed and the Mayo Clinic, both reputable online medical sites. I finally narrowed it down and discovered one side effect of both robotic and cut/stitch types of hysterectomies are scar tissue or abdominal adhesions which cause pain in the lower abdomen. And now I have my answer.

In the end, all I need to do is just “stand,” as I am called to do in Ephesians. “Stand fast, I say.” I have done everything possible and am content leaving the results to God. I can now focus on the divine energy of the Christ expressing in me. I have life and I am blessed.