ClaussenCrew Blog

I can hardly believe that four years ago today, I went into surgery to have the simple but needed carpal tunnel surgery done on not one but both of my wrists. The surgery was long overdue. My fingers would go numb in almost every activity I was involved in. The feeling would start in my fingers and work up my arms until I stopped whatever action I was doing. Now, this didn’t just happen. The effects started slowly and not so often. Over time, they increased to become a constant distraction. After much thought, I finally decided to make an appointment with the doctor to examine my hands.

In just a just a few minutes, the doctor examined my hands, asked me some questions, and said surgery would help. Shortly after that initial appointment, the date and time were set for the procedure.

I woke up on the day of the surgery and didn’t think too much about what would happen. Instead, I got up, got dressed, and my wife and I drove to the surgery center. Once there, I got checked in and then into a room where I was prepared for the surgery. The next few steps were a rush of people coming and going, and then the anesthesiologist came in and walked me through the next steps. I went into the surgery suite and fell asleep. In what felt like only a few minutes, I awoke with my wife at my side, and my wrists and hands all bandaged up. That was when I realized how many things I couldn’t do myself.

On our way home, I was hungry, and the only thing that sounded good was rice and hot and sour soup. My wife gave in, and we stopped at a local Chinese food restaurant. Sitting at the booth and looking at my hands, I started to laugh. Right after hand surgery, how many people stop off for Chinese food? Then I realized that I must look crazy ordering food with my hands up in the air.

As I have reflected on this event, I still laugh. I must have looked ridiculous trying to eat while still entirely under the influence of pain medication. But in my soul, it felt so good to have this procedure done, and I look forward to full use of my hands again. But I also reflect on how this experience reminds me of the atonement. Just as with carpal tunnel surgery, the master surgeon focused on the cause of the issue and, with skill and precision, was able to correct the problem. Our Savior is the master healer. The Savior can come into our lives and masterfully focus on the cause and effect of what is holding us back. As we accept the atonement into our lives and do our part to correct the issues that plague us, the Savior focuses on and applies the needed healing. As the power of the atonement plays an even more significant role in our lives, the Holy Spirit’s influences are clearer to our hearts and minds. We can hear the shepherd’s voice more clearly, and we more easily act on his words. We can be the Savior’s hands to act on his behalf to uplift and support those in need. Through our service, we learn more about our Savior and our Father in Heaven’s love for each of us. We also learn to love more thoroughly and entirely for God’s creations.

I am grateful that my Heavenly Father understood the help I would need in this earthly experience. He has provided me with family, friends, coworkers, teachers, children, and a fantastic wife, all of whom act under inspiration to assist me whenever I have needed them. But even more so, my Heavenly Father has provided me a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. And through his atoning sacrifice has provided me a way to heal and return to the presence of my Heavenly Father, where I will continue to learn, grow, serve, and love more perfectly.