Porch Skating, Anyone?

When I picked the subject of new beginnings for our January blog, I had no idea that my life would take an odd turn. I woke up on December 8^th with the Lord’s words echoing in my heart. He said, “Walk into your future with joyous expectation.” I thought, what? I wasn't feeling particularly joyful or expectant that morning. As I prepared for church I began to speak those words out loud. I felt His joy rise in my heart.

Looking out my front door, I saw ice on my van. I eyed the porch and sidewalk but they appeared dry. Even though it was only about ten degrees outside, I decided to go start my van sans coat. I took one step and went flying, breaking my right arm on the porch edge.

After my mind had a minute to process the shock I thought, this is the future I was to joyously expect? I didn't understand. No way would anyone look forward to something like this. As things unfolded, I ended up having surgery. Now I am the proud owner of a titanium plate, about eight screws and thirty stitch marks.

This was not the new beginning I had envisioned for 2014, but you know what, it’s okay. During this new and temporary phase of my life, I have met many wonderful people. My doctor’s were awesome. My friends gathered round and helped me through the toughest days. Needing help to put a bra on was a humbling but necessary experience. I learned to ask, and accept, the help I needed.

In a totally weird way this has been an awesome experience for me, but I have no wish to repeat it. Doing everything left-handed engaged my brain in puzzle solving, which is something I enjoy. How do I get that tee shirt off using only one hand? I ended up pulling it straight over my head, wiggling the good arm out then gingerly sliding it off the unhappy one. Ever try using a hand-held can opener backwards to how it goes? I learned all kinds of new tricks.

Try being a writer who can’t use a pen or type. AACCKK! That was frustrating. I finished my latest masterpiece only four days before my ice-skating debut. I had revisions, editing and many little details to correct. I also had nothing but time for weeks but no way to do the work. Probably a good thing in retrospect, the painkillers made me pretty loopy for a while. No telling what I would have done to that book.

It still ties my arm into painful knots when I type too much, but at least I can type. That is a blessing. The revisions are still awaiting their turn. I have about six more weeks to play the invalid so I suspect I’ll get them done. After that, it’s job hunting for me. My little vacation will be over.

I am hoping the attitude adjustment I received will stick. Everything goes down easier with that spoonful of sugar. The big potholes of life aren't so bad when you have a good attitude. I am determined to continue walking into my future with joyful expectation. Even when it’s not something on my to-do list.