"Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Grateful for... God healing my neck. After a fluke accident, and 14 weeks of wearing an Aspen collar continuously, I was finally able to take it off on this past Wednesday. It was a funny feeling, I wanted to jump for joy, but nervous, as I was dizzy and lightheaded when I first took it off. My neck was stiff and tight, and so I still used my entire body to turn, and do everything. I was most excited for showering!!! And boy can I tell you that first shower felt INCREDIBLE!!! :) And I can't wait to run again... soon, a few more weeks, and I can be back on the trails! I was able to go back to work yesterday for the first time, and even though it was sore and hurting by the end of the day, even though I still am cautious and don't have all range of motion back, I was so grateful that I could be back to work, that I had a job, that I could go back to doing what I love! Even though we may complain about work, or want a vacation. I have come to realize that our work is a blessing! We all need to feel wanted, to feel needed, to feel like we are doing good, that we are making a difference. God made us that way, so we can go out to help others. So we can be the water of grace for others. So we can be an instrument of his love and grace!
Grateful for... All I learned. As I look back of what I learned over these past months, I am completely aware that my accident could have been so much worse. I could have been paralyzed, could have chronic nerve pain, or worse, I could have died. I don't like to think about that, I get anxious if I do, so I just thank God for giving me a second chance at life! I've had the privilege of being on the patient side of health care. Everything from coming into the ER, being inpatient, having to wait for doctors, trusting them with the best treatment plan, and wearing the collar. I have a whole new perspective on what that's like. I will be able to use that experience as I care for my patients now, to give them hope and encouragement, and understanding of what it will be like. And to be a better advocated for them! Also, to realize as I meet other people with injuries, difficulties, on the street, in the store, school, hospital, etc. To treat them normal. After being in my brace for so long, I would forget that I even had it on at times. It became a part of me. But then I would remember as soon as someone looked at me with a funny or curious expression on their face... made me think about how many times I do that to others? To those in wheelchairs, with braces, tracheostomy, chemo... when all they want is just to be normal. I will definitely remember that when I meet others. To treat them more with the water of grace. We have so much to be grateful for!! We take so much for granted!! I just had one inconvenience, and it wasn't forever. Combing hair, buckling belt, driving, eating, drinking, showering are just a few, that were harder for me to do. But I was still able to do so much, do everything else! Yes, to be grateful...
Grateful for.... My quiet time that I had on many mornings to read, pray, journal, talks, and my walks. I missed running a lot, and I will get to do it again, but during those walks, I went without my headphones, without music. I was able to pay attention to the little things around me more, the people, the environment, the nature, the peace of it all. For instance, on a couple walks I had with my mom, she taught me about the beauty of the cardinals. How they are a sign of hope from God, of Jesus being present. The beauty in their color, the beauty in their song. If we just listen and look. I read this recently, "Birds don't worry, they Sing!" I think I liked the quiet so much also because it was a great time for me to pray, to talk to Jesus. It was more of like a constant conversation with Him. And able to pray for so many others too... hardships, illnesses, blessings, healing of body and heart, thanksgivings. And offer up my hardships, for those others that are suffering, to help ease their pain. And to listen. Psalm 46:10--- "Be Still and Know." And I got to meet new friends on the trails too, when you go slower, people sometimes stop to talk. Or even if you just say hi! I liked to think about what was going on in everyone's heads. What problems they are facing, what joys they are experiencing! Makes you want to pray for them all. Like the book, "Praying for Strangers" As the character met someone each day, and asked how she could pray for them that day. Don't let me lead you wrong though, that this season was all happy and joyful. It was far from that. There were many times I was sad, where I just stopped and cried, where I felt down, where I got frustrated, where I felt alone. That's all part of the healing process, all part of being able to trust and depend more on God, and less on myself.
Grateful for.. my family and friends!! I don't know what I would have done without every one of them! Having my first summer off since high school, I was able to do things I don't always get to do, go visit friends, go on trips, go be with my family, go enjoy all the summer activities! Even though I missed things such as water skiing, running, riding horses, I still got to do so much! I just had to be careful. I am pretty sure I said this before! Family and friends are the Best Blessing God has given us! Don't forget to tell them how much you love them! I am continuing to be reminded each day how fragile life it.. how in the blink of an eye life can change completely. But we have to remember God makes good out of every situation. He is always at work, and has a greater purpose. Seeing God's blessings in tough situations will help fill us with joy, praise, gratitude! To help be a part of the water of grace.
"I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done. I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High." ~Psalm 9:1-2
No comments:
Post a Comment