A late Sunday Post to Kick Off Labor Day!

Located 5 miles from the Oregon border and 8 miles from Nevada, we truly wished we could have gotten to the Tri-point where the three states meet. The high elevations and rough mountainous landscape were certainly beyond our capabilities (at least mine), but it was enjoyable to imagine it. There are no trails - you're basically bushwhacking to the point. Debby doesn't bushwhack! 

We paused here at the Davis Creek Community Church, which has been renovated and is located along the Applegate Trail to Oregon.

This church, a striking presence today, didn’t even exist back in the 1840s.  Established in 1880.  It recently secured state funding, and the necessary improvements are already visible. 

The Applegate Trail served as the southern route for Oregon pioneers, typically beginning in western Missouri and extending through Idaho. This trail is sometimes referred to as the California/Oregon Trail, highlighting its significance in the westward expansion of settlers during the 19th century.

The lake they are referring to is Goose Lake - 

Goose Lake is a large alkaline lake in the Goose Lake Valley on the Oregon-California border. (more on that later) 

The silence was so profound that you could almost hear a pin drop.

The above post was intended for Sunday, but I was unable to publish it in time. It appears that my enthusiasm for lap swimming on Friday, along with two water aerobics classes and going for a hike on Saturday, combined with sitting in the car for hours, was a bit overwhelming for my body. 

 

On Sunday morning, I woke up to find my right knee swollen, with soreness in the back that made it difficult to walk. Although I may feel "young" while I'm in the water, my body has a different perspective. I limped and hopped into church, hoping that no one would see my struggle. Ha! By the time I returned home, bending my knee caused me considerable pain. It’s nothing I can’t manage, but it brought back memories of when I had a knee replacement.

The "Doctor Debby" in me has concluded that I might have overexerted myself, possibly straining something.

Duh! 

 I think I've put too much pressure on my MCL from doing my favorite breaststroke in the pool. It doesn’t seem serious enough for a visit to the ER - plus, it's Labor Day, so hopefully, I can see Dr. B. If I can't get in tomorrow because of his hospital rounds, then perhaps on Wednesday. I could reach out to him at home, but I don’t feel it’s necessary.

I’ve been sitting on the sofa while my husband takes care of me. This morning, it felt somewhat better, but I still can't put any weight on my knee. It feels as though my knee has been wrapped in duct tape, and bending it is painful. However, there is some progress compared to yesterday.

I wrote down my thoughts during a moment of reflection:

My knee is swollen, painful, and it’s difficult to walk. Part of me wants to whine; but what good does that do? 

Finding contentment in all circumstances, even when dealing with a swollen, painful knee, is a profound aspect of the Christian life. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Philippians 4:11-13, where he shares that he has learned to be content in any situation, whether in need or in abundance. It's really easy to feel contentment when I’m feeling great; it's a spiritual discipline when I’m not. This contentment comes from the strength and peace that Christ provides, not from our external circumstances. 

As I lay here, with my leg propped up, oh Lord help with the throbbing pain but most importantly help me with my attitude. Your grace is sufficient, and your power is made perfect in weakness. Help me to rely on your strength to carry me through till Tuesday, when I can see my doctor.

Happy Labor Day to all who labor. A heartfelt shout-out to the medical professionals and first responders who work selflessly today. Your commitment inspires us all.