It started out to be a typical day – decaf latte, quiet time, contemplative prayer. I was eager to restart my exercise program which was put on hold after a rogue shoe fell off my closet shelf and broke my toe in early July. (Fall No.1) Who would ever think such a crazy thing could happen?
In my haste, I failed to change from my Teva-ish sandals to a sturdier shoe, thinking my reentry into working out wouldn’t be terribly strenuous.
All was going well until I attempted to balance on an inverted Bosu ball (something I now would not recommend). As I started to wobble out of control, I stepped off the ball and promptly hit the floor. (Fall No.2)
I knew immediately that there was damage to my left wrist – and indeed, it was fractured in two places. After the tears stopped and the cast was in place, I began my list of thankfulness…that I didn’t break a hip or crack my head open, that I was able to be seen and diagnosed right away, and that this didn’t happen on our family vacation.
Sometimes God has to startle us into circling back to Him.
It’s not that I have ignored Him…but rather that recently life has been full of making plans, attending to details, and keeping up with correspondence – things that are necessary, but sometimes consuming – and distracting from what is most meaningful. God gave me the ability to be efficient, but I’m thinking He would appreciate a few more time slots in my daily calendar.
Perhaps God should be at the top of my priority list.
After my falls, I was reminded of the first Scripture verse a dear friend shared with me many years ago:
“When I said, ‘my foot is slipping’, your unfailing love, Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” ~Psalm 94:18-19
God’s love constantly surrounds us, even when we are most stable! These next weeks of manual limitations will most certainly direct my thoughts to His Providence and continuous care. And though this time presents it challenges (I finally succeeded at buttoning my jeans with one hand!), honing my focusing ability in His direction will be paramount as my wrist heals. That, accompanied by large doses of thankfulness and prayer, is the ultimate prescription.
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” ~2 Corinthians 4:17
You always give me a fresh look at life!! Love you girl!
Love you too, Stacy!
Wow Toni you don’t do things by halves! I slid out the front door the beginning August onto a slimy deck. Thankfully a few sessions with a good massage therapist got me more or less back to normal, whatever that is. Glad you’re on the mend and still writing beautiful blogs!
Glad your fall could be helped with massage therapy! Thanks fir reading…
I too have had a couple of unexpected falls recently so I understand. So sorry and pray you will heal completely soon. I don’t know when your birthday is but love this birthday prayer from the Episcopal Prayer Book:”Watch over thy child Toni, O Lord, as hers days increase; bless and guide her wherever she may be. Strengthen her when she stands; comfort her when discouraged or sorrowful; raise her up if she falls; and in her heart may thy peace which passeth understanding abide all the days of her life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Such a beautiful prayer, Jean! Thank you for sending it! I hope you have recovered well from your falls. This aging stuff can be a challenge. Thankfully we can lean on God…
Dear Toni, what a gift to read your words, and these verses tucked between your words. Thank you for these gentle reminders, and praying for you as your wrist heals. Sending much love, SA
So good to hear from you, Sarah! I hope all is well with you and your family… xo
Oh Toni! I feel for you. I guess when I see you next you will be directing one handed! But I do so love the joy that you always when directing us. hugs, Debby
Yes, I will be a one-handed conductor for a while, Deb! and I’m so glad you are singing with us! Hugs back to you…
Toni, God uses you to bring sweet blessings to us through your words …..your gratitude and your joy in the Lord! Prayers for quick healing.
Thanks so much for reading!
Your beautiful, God-fearing heart for God shines right through that heavy, opaque cast, Toni! So glad that this “gift” brought you back to blogging! (His glory, our great benefit…). Love you so much, dear friend
It feels good to write again! Love you too, Betty…
It makes my heart happy to read your words again (and makes me feel a little closer to you, if not in distance!) Thanks for sharing your encouragement…hope that wrist heals up quickly! Love you.
Our hearts will always be close, Lauren! Love you, too…