Hello! I hope you’re enjoying the final month of 2009.
I know MY month began pretty eventfully:
On Tuesday, December 1, I had knee replacement surgery.
My knee had been causing me trouble for awhile, but still, choosing to have surgery wasn’t easy. After all, I wasn’t looking forward to the pain or the recovery time. Plus a few weeks of down time weren’t easy to fit into my schedule.
But this year it became clear that knee replacement couldn’t be put off any longer. I began to see how it could increase my mobility and decrease my physical discomfort. In the end, I decided that by paying with a little discomfort now, I was freeing myself to play later: through speaking and leading…. AND literally playing with my grandangels.
So last Tuesday I had knee surgery in Chicago. I’m happy to say that the entire procedure went very smoothly, with no complications. They had me on my feet within a day, and I was ready to go home Thursday. By Saturday I was resting so comfortably that I was able to Tweet my college football predictions.
Today, one week after surgery, I’m recovering well. The physical therapist says that I’m making good progress, and the pain has continued to be manageable. I’m already sure that this surgery was worth it.
Also, I’m deeply grateful for all of the prayers and encouragement I’ve received from so many of you via Twitter and Facebook. With your support and prayer, I feel confident that I’ll continue to improve and keep my commitments for coming weeks.
I’m thankful for you! I’ll keep you up to date on my progress.
64 responses so far ↓
1 Kirk // Dec 7, 2009 at 9:36 pm
My wife had both knees replaced 2 days before Thanksgiving (at age 43). It is a difficult journey, but we know it will be worth it for you and her. God bless you John…
2 uberVU - social comments // Dec 7, 2009 at 9:43 pm
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by markharbert: John Maxwell- Take a Knee: paying now to play later http://bit.ly/71wYAN...
3 T. Henry // Dec 7, 2009 at 10:00 pm
God Bless… praying for a full and speedy recovery
4 Joshua // Dec 7, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I hope you can still roll them around in the golf cart for hot dogs for lunch(and diet coke of course).
God bless you,
Joshua Fair
5 Joshua // Dec 7, 2009 at 10:24 pm
I hope you can still roll them around in the golf cart for hot dogs for lunch(and diet coke of course).
God bless you,
Joshua Fair
6 Jen Kirby // Dec 7, 2009 at 10:52 pm
Thank you for all of your input over the years I am a 61 year old pastor and know that it is nice to be encouraged when your in a stretching time. May God heal you quickly, may you be dancing in weeks. bless you n family Jen Happy Christmas
7 Kathy // Dec 7, 2009 at 11:02 pm
John, you are in our prayers. You authenticity has inspired me often. May you be blessed and have a favourable recovery time.
8 Esmeralda Rodriguez Zurita // Dec 7, 2009 at 11:18 pm
I first saw you in San Diego at an ACN convention. I spoke of you so often for my third wedding Anniversary He got me your Daily Reader and Think and Grow Rich of course. Follow you on success cds and I recently entered facebook world and got to see you preach. God is taking care of your knee so you can continue taking care of us. Thank you.
9 Anne Dovel // Dec 7, 2009 at 11:33 pm
I have been reading “Put Your Dreams to the Test.” Thank you for another excellent book.
Anne
10 Anonymous // Dec 8, 2009 at 12:14 am
speedy recovery and may GOD turn yo problems into progress yo fear into faith
11 Prapim // Dec 8, 2009 at 7:14 am
Thanks God for your all good books, give a good advise. May God empower your life more ‘n more.
B Blessed
12 Michael São Lázaro // Dec 8, 2009 at 7:43 am
Hi John,
I’m very glad that your recovering well. I had some troubles with my knee, and I know how hard it is.
I had the privilege to be with Pr. Don Wilson in Portugal, at One Million Leader training. Thank God for your vision Dear John. Along with the great training, and the fantastic time that I had to speak with great leaders like Pr. Don or Check Harisson, I feel very blessed specially when I’m passing on the same training program that I’m receiving to other people.
Hopefully this message will get to you.
God bless you! Or in Portuguese, Deus te abençoe! =)
13 Sandy Gorman // Dec 8, 2009 at 8:10 am
God bless you and your family. I pray for a speedy recovery. Thank God for wonderful doctors.
14 Davis B.Ochieng // Dec 8, 2009 at 8:13 am
All the best, Get real well real soon!
15 Antonio Pinto // Dec 8, 2009 at 8:30 am
God bless you and everyone that was a part of a good surgery and recovery…for a better future…God Bless!
16 Ralf - Dominican Republic // Dec 8, 2009 at 8:36 am
John,
Glad the surgery went well. I fully believe that the “difficult to fit in” downtime will actually be of great use to you! Thanks for giving to others what the Lord has given to you. We’ll be praying that the recovery process be smooth and enlightening!
17 April // Dec 8, 2009 at 8:44 am
Praying for you. I had surgery myself earlier this year and it was one of the best things that could have happened for me although I didn’t initially see it that way. I had prayed for physical relief and God answered my prayer. 6 months out, I’m feeling brand new and so will you. Enjoy your holidays and your recovery time. God is going to reveal Himself in greater ways than you’ve seen before. God bless!
18 Sharlene Pienaar // Dec 8, 2009 at 8:49 am
Hi, it is amazing to know how God knit us together when he formed us/the knee. While you are recovering know that God is putting/joining every fibre and cell and everything else that is necessary to make a complete work in your knee. God Bless you.
19 Peter B // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:05 am
I had mine done John on Oct 13 and I am walking fine with just a little swelling and am only 50. Praise God we have an awesome doctor above who loves his children.
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada.
20 Randy Garner // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:28 am
Hello John, Randy here,
I am glad to here you are doing so well. I will keep praying for you and your recover.
By the way thanks for all of you encouragement over the years, and for all you have done for the Kingdom.
Come to Williamsburg VA sometime an I will show you and Margret around.
In Christ’s Love and Service
Randy
21 Lois Buckingham // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:39 am
Sorry to hear about your surgery!! Our prayers are with you.
Get well soon.
Blessings,
Lois
22 Lorena Rodriguez // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:46 am
Dear John:
Get well soon and a big hug from Guatemala city.
Hope in the future you come back, God Bless you.
Regards
Lorena
23 Brian Heflin // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:54 am
Hello John,
Brian Heflin here from World Wide Dreambuilders, Ron had mentioned through ‘Kate’ that you were having your surgey and sent out a word of kindness to every one. Glad to hear all went well!
BTW, loved your last talk on the books that changed your life. My wife and I have also adopted your Dad’s philosophy on paying an allowance per book read. My son (who is 7) is currently earning $2/ for every chapter book that he reads.
At what age, would you recommend, that we start to introduce leadership/ positive attitude’ etc. type books?
Thank you for all you do!
24 Betzy Peacock // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:55 am
Hi John,
I’m very glad that your recovering well. My husband had some troubles with his knee, he couldn’t walk without pain for several days but after surgery, he was just like new so I wish the same for you.
I red for 2nd time your book about Equipping 101 and probably I will read it for 3rd time, it has so much knowledge and guidance. I look forward your next release. Hopefully this message will get to you.
Many Blessing
Betzy Peacock
25 Sandi // Dec 8, 2009 at 10:24 am
WOW- on your feet walking within one day- amazing~!
Remember whose almighty hand you are in –
There’s nothing God can’t do to make you feel
as good as new!!
Prayers & Blessings to you~
Sandi
…but I will restore you to health’ … declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17
26 Mary Ballard // Dec 8, 2009 at 10:43 am
Hi John, Wishing you a speedy recovery. My brother had double knee surgery about a month ago. He said he understands know why he had them both done at the same time. He is 66 and is looking forward to be pain free and playing with his grandchildren. May God Bless you and thank you so much for all you do.
27 Juan Carlos Villela // Dec 8, 2009 at 11:29 am
Hi john, I’m glad that your physical recovery is on progress, sure that in some weeks you will be playing soccer with your grandchild, since I meet you some weeks ago in your conference in Guatemala I been reading some of your books and applying with great results some of the principles, I read in one of them that your organization is training leaders in Latin America, I would like to know where I can go to become one of them.
best wishes in your recovery proces!
Thank you,
Keep working!
28 Terry Smith // Dec 8, 2009 at 11:34 am
Glad to hear that you are healing well John! Keep hanging in there, I appreciate you…Terry
29 Nicholas Yannacopoulos // Dec 8, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Hi mentor!,
Hope you have a GREAT recovery. I loved that “Pay now – Play later” so, how about starting to “pay” few pounds now so that you can play with your grandangels ? They can be Very exhausting can they?
MERRY MERRY XMAS !!!!!!! and Thanks a mil for being there for me.
30 Twitted by simple_truths // Dec 8, 2009 at 2:32 pm
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31 Liza Weber // Dec 8, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I pray for a great recovery. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
32 Yorch Vazquez // Dec 8, 2009 at 4:02 pm
Jhon as you told the inconvinience now will be rewarded with a life whealty, you will be in my prayers so you can recover you health soon and you can walk all over the golf field, and have the time to come to Mexico City soon
Good Bless you
33 CFA // Dec 8, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Good to hear this John, You deserve greater blessings for the impact you have made in today’s world.
34 Charles Harelson // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Sorry about your knee and the pain, glad all is going well. God is so good, He has made us well. Your knee problem may not have been caused like mine, mine was caused by over working and abuse. But thank God for good surgeons. CharlesH.
35 Robert Zullo // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:52 pm
H.O.R.S.E. is still in your future… God Bless you John
36 Sandra Kendell // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:54 pm
I SEE YOU LIKE MARLON BRANDO “THE GODFATHER” PLAYING WITH HIS GRANDANGELS AS YOU CALL THEM. ALREADY YOUR HEART AND MIND IS IN 2010 BEING BACK OUT THERE ON GO. PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE,PLEASE, GET YOUR ADEQUATE REST WE DO NOT NEED YOU AS BADLY AS YOUR FAMILY DOES MR.JOHN WAYNE JR.!!! AND WHEN WILL YOU BE DANCING WITH THE STARS?
37 Millie // Dec 8, 2009 at 9:56 pm
I’m to hear you are recovering well. I pray the Lord to give you strength and health, and many more idea to pass on trough your books. I got to tell you that I am wiser because of your example and your willingness to give unselfishly to others. Thank you for being such a responsible person in sharing the gifts and wisdom God has given you with others.
38 Jerrund Wilkerson // Dec 8, 2009 at 11:38 pm
John:
All the best for a speedy and full recovery.
Jerrund
39 Barb Giglio // Dec 8, 2009 at 11:56 pm
We’ll keep you in our prayers for a complete recovery! I guess we can now say you are a “bionic man”! Isn’t it wonderful that we live in a time when we can fix so many things that go wrong with our bodies? I’ve heard more positive stories with knee replacement surgeries than negative. We’ll pray for yours to be too and look forward to the testimony!
Barb and family
40 Nico Bacay // Dec 9, 2009 at 4:52 am
Praying for your complete recovery, John. God bless you.
41 Renga K // Dec 9, 2009 at 9:18 am
God bless you John. Praying for a speedy recovery.
42 Dr. Andrew Bucksot // Dec 9, 2009 at 4:52 pm
We are glad that Pastor Tom was able to go with you to Chicago and get some pizza. I am sure he wanted to be with you, more so than to get some pizza, right? We are ready to have you in Mexico. Let’s plan it in 2010, what do you think?
43 Mary West // Dec 9, 2009 at 10:13 pm
John: Im contiuing to hold you up in prayer for a speedy recovery and that you would be able to resume a full schedule next year. In His Love and Care, Mary
44 Judy Montgomery // Dec 9, 2009 at 10:16 pm
Life is good! Have fun! Thank God for knee replacements to make the fun times easier!
Prayers, Judy
45 markie story // Dec 9, 2009 at 10:19 pm
The other day I said to a friend, “Yeah a friend of mine just had knee surgery,” and I chuckled when I realized I was speaking about you. Funny, John you have truly become a friend. I have enjoyed hanging out with you via Facebook as you recover. You have and are a special gift from God. You continue to inspire even in your “down time”. My 20 year old son has apparently been introduced to you in college and just borrowed my 21 Irrefutible Laws book. I don’t think I’ll ask for it back. I’ll just buy another one.
GBY
46 Shalini // Dec 9, 2009 at 11:44 pm
God Bless you John, you have a a lovely wife like Margaret to take care of you, why won’t you get well soon. Take care
47 Rhonda Baker // Dec 10, 2009 at 12:57 am
You are a kneespiration to so many! God has blessed you and the blessing has rippled onto us.
48 Krystian from Poland // Dec 10, 2009 at 9:42 am
I hope God will give you grace man of God. Blessings from Poland
49 Twitted by johncmaxwell // Dec 10, 2009 at 9:33 pm
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50 Elyn Rambu Kaborang // Dec 11, 2009 at 5:12 am
Hi Father,
May you be healthier than yesterday.
I will pray for you and Margaret.
Thank you for your always a blessing to us throughout the world.
I am located in Indonesia, is blessed with books that you create.
I am pleased with your knee surgery which has been running smoothly.
Hope you can patiently therapy.
And will heal with perfect.
Lord Jesus loves you and your family!
Elyn
51 Twitted by reluz12 // Dec 11, 2009 at 5:26 am
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52 Clare Pope // Dec 11, 2009 at 9:01 am
God is good all the time. I rejoice with you, Mr. Maxwell that recovery is going well. I share with you a phrase I’ve claimed lately “ENJOY THE MOMENT!” May our Heavenly Father continue to abundantly bless and provide for you, your wife Margaret, and family all of your needs and desires during the healing process.
Yours In Christ – Clare
53 Fatima Ali // Dec 11, 2009 at 10:06 am
I wish you full and quick recovery! and many more success in your life. Warm greetings from one of your fans in Somalia.
54 Mike // Dec 11, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Paying know so we all can play later. Put the work in upfront and the backend will take care of it self.
55 Marty Pack // Dec 11, 2009 at 9:38 pm
John,
Good luck with that replacement! I’m in the Marines (26 years) and had my right hip replaced a year ago. Through His graces, I’m back on full duty and PTing (exercising) almost like before. I run less and bike more but at least I’m enjoying it. Stay with the therapy!
56 ALKamali M. // Dec 13, 2009 at 11:07 pm
God bless you , and wish you a quiq recovery .
Helth is our key for daily door so we have always
God Bless you ,and wish you a quick recovery.
The HELTH is our key for every day gate,so every morning when we waking up so this key opening day,for that we should alway take a good care about this life key and we have to
Am so delight for this wounderful news .
God bless you , and wish you a quick recovery .
Helth is our key for day door so we have always
keep it clear, safe and secure, and we should
always watching it because if we lost it or any damage for it it’s mean someone else should assist us to use the day door and start to depend on other and it’s of corse the begening of end in this life .
Sorry for long comments but I feel that I wann say that especially to you because u are a nation treasure and we all should care a bout you.once again wish you all the best and personaly I would like to invite u with any of ur friends to spend couple of days here n my city Dubai for relax as my special guest .
watch it carfully if we need every morning used to open our day
to open our day door because if any damage for this key will happen so that it’s mean we will not be able to open our daily door by our self and we will start to find who can assist us for that
keep it clear, safe and secure, and we should
watch it carfully if we need every morning used
to open our day door because if any damage for this key will happen so that it’s mean we will not be able to open our daily door by our self and we will start to find who can assist us for that
57 ALKamali M. // Dec 13, 2009 at 11:12 pm
Am so delight for this wounderful news .
God bless you , and wish you a quick recovery .
Helth is our key for day door so we have always
keep it clear, safe and secure, and we should
always watching it because if we lost it or any damage for it it’s mean someone else should assist us to use the day door and start to depend on other and it’s of corse the begening of end in this life .
Sorry for long comments but I feel that I wann say that especially to you because u are a nation treasure and we all should care a bout you.once again wish you all the best and personaly I would like to invite u with any of ur friends to spend couple of days here n my city Dubai for relax as my special guest .
(sorry for this repeat which it’s cause by my iPhone device)
58 Michael Ishaku // Dec 14, 2009 at 7:19 am
Jer. 30:17….God is healing you right now in Jesus Name…. You sure are a great leader and a role model.
59 neil aldrin ko // Dec 14, 2009 at 5:56 pm
I am so happy that you are recovering fast sir because i am looking forward to meet you here in the Philippines. I will keep you in my prayers sir.
60 Doug Humble // Dec 15, 2009 at 9:14 am
Happy to hear you are recovering and healing quickly. My Pastor gave me a book of yours to read – Winning with People and it has certainly been an eye opener. I’m on the last section of it now and have picked up several more of your books to read for 2010. Thank you so much for your works. I know you have to have helped millions of people in your ministry with the knowledge you have poured out in your books. Thank you again and I pray that you are up and running again well before the Doctor’s predictions. God bless you and your family and I pray you have a Merry Christmas and a great 2010 New Year.
61 Azira Aziz // Dec 15, 2009 at 8:36 pm
I purchased two books of yours on discount (students and our cheapo-ness) and consider it the best bargain I ever made from MPH (KL, Malaysia)! lol. I’ve been steadily making my way through your other books since.
Thank you for the great life lessons, and get well soon! \(^_^)/
62 ROY GIBSON // Dec 16, 2009 at 11:38 pm
Thank God for the success of your surgery. Just remember sometimes God has to do our thinking for us and take us off of our feet and put us on our back to talk with us and get us ready for the next task He has for us to perform. Get your rest and be ready for God’s next assignment. Continue to let God use you to be a help and inspiration to us. God Bless You.
63 Dan Black // Dec 18, 2009 at 4:26 am
Love the principle. Thanks for being such a blessing in so many lives
64 Anthony // Dec 21, 2009 at 1:36 am
Glad to hear your surgery went on well. We need you in shape, to inspire more difference makers like you.