Into perspective
Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose…Eckhart Tolle.
The other day I was struggling with something that was causing me worry, fear, frustration, anxiety, helplessness and even a touch of anger. I just couldn’t seem to shake the thoughts this particular day.
Fast forward to 4:00 p.m. I left work early to go visit my friend in rehab. She had fallen on the ice and shattered her ankle and leg. The doctor had just informed her that it was not healing well and that the second surgery was postponed. She was depressed. I tried to encourage her, telling her to think positive and everything was going to be okay and that it was just going to take a little longer than planned.
Each time I go to visit her, I pass some of the same people in the hallway. I smile and usually ask them how their day is going. This day, I stopped and talked to a woman in a wheel chair not much older than myself. She held out her hands as if she was holding something, and asked me if I knew why she had this boys heart in her hands. I smiled and said no but it quickly became clear that she was probably suffering from dementia.
Than I approached a young gentleman that I had seen several time before, also in a wheel chair. He looks to be in his 30’s and appears to have a birth defect that has left him unable to walk. This day I stopped and asked his name. He told me it was John and he extended his hand to greet me. I asked him how he was doing and inquired about his stay in rehab. He smiled and sheepishly told me he was there because of a sore on his buttocks that needed to be healed. At that moment my brain was racing. Oh my God, how does someone who can’t walk, confined to a wheel chair or bed 24/7 ever heal? A little more small talk and I left.
As I walked to my car I was brought to tears and overwhelmed with a feeling of gratitude for all that I have. I felt guilty for allowing my own situation to ruin my day.
I literally stopped walking in the middle of the parking lot, took a deep breath and said, “Thank you God” for putting it all into perspective for me.
Have a Flan-tastic day,
Donna Flanagin
Random me: I teared up again while writing this.
Bulkmail4u 
Donna, wonderful summary of half the meaning of life. The half you’ve covered is being thankful.
What a compelling story. Thank you for sharing it.
The other half is finding purpose and using our gratitude to serve humanity in the unique way only we can do. In the way that God blessed us.
Learning and growing daily. Thanks for your comments, always welcome and appreciated.
How amazing to read how God works through you as you bring acknowledgement and put names and faces to those who are suffering. You might be the only visitor these patients ever see.
Great story!
Donna, just read this again. It’s even better the second time. Inspiring. Thank you.
(and of course I’m wondering – been wondering actually – when your next post is coming out)
Happy Summer
Thanks Jeff 🙂 Not so much writers block more feeling I have nothing useful to say. Ipad has slowed me down. Blogging is much better on my laptop. I will post soon, promise!