My Tender Mercy and John Denver

 “Truly, for those with faithful hearts and eyes to see, the Lord’s tender mercies are manifest amidst life’s challenges.”~ Elder Gerrit W. Gong

Recently, I had to go to the hospital 3 times in one week.  It was a hard week.  That Monday, I was scheduled for a procedure that I've had once before in December--it was an outpatient thing and required only a day of rest afterwards.  I expected the same results from this one.  But the whole process was distinctive: different doctor, different hospital, different way of doing the procedure.  And a competely different recovery, which brought me back to the ER on that Tuesday night/Wednesday morning and another procedure on that Friday.  It was easily the worst pain I've ever felt.

But here's the good part:

I was in pain and feeling fragile and nervous about the procedure the night before and a good man, Brother Ramsay, came over to our house and helped Kent give me a priesthood blessing.  One of the blessings for me said I could have faith and trust in the doctors who were going to care for me.  That was a big deal to me, because I didn't know the surgeon beforehand.

When I was brought into the OR on Friday, I noticed there was no music playing--now, I have been to the hospital so many times in the past year, I am used to music playing in the OR.  This time it was silent.  If you know me, music is a great comfort to me.

Okay, in the OR and there's no music-- I am laying face down and cannot see anyone's face in the room.  I asked my attending nurse if they could play some music.  She said, "Sure, what would you like to hear?"  I answered, "John Denver."    Now, my first thought was "Mormon Tabernacle Choir" because I always feel the Spirit when I listen to them.  But then John Denver's name came out of my mouth before I had another thought!

The nurse asked the OR tech if he could play some John Denver.  He said, "Absolutely."  She then said, "Dr. Waggart likes John Denver too."

Within seconds, John's voice is filling the air and all of the other nurses and the Dr came into the room.  I couldn't see any of them, but what I could hear, is that they all began singing along with the song, "Rocky Mountain High"...it was perfect.  My nerves calmed, and I felt seen and cared for in a special way. The corrective procedure worked and I am recovering well. 

And, y’all know I love Colorado, so wow! what a memorable experience for me!  This may sound so cheesy to some, but to my heart, it was a tender mercy from heaven.

Does our Heavenly Father hear and answer prayers?  My witness is that He does, in His perfect timing and tender, meaningful ways.

Have you seen God's hand in your life lately?  I'd love to hear about it, if you're willing to share.  Thank you❤️