It seems that I have chosen just the right challenge for myself in the New Year. I just wrote about my theme for the year, ‘Joy’. Well, now I face a real test to find the joy in a tough situation.
Over New Years, my husband and I visited my daughter and her family in Indiana. New Year’s night, we babysat our two granddaughters while their parents had a greatly appreciated night out. Walking down the staircase with my one-year-old granddaughter in my arms, I fell down the last three steps and landed on the tile in the foyer.
By the grace of God, my granddaughter was fine. (Joy #1)
I broke my leg. (Still looking for the joy in that one.)
I’m scheduled for surgery on January 7th, so by the time you read this, I’ll be home and on my way to healing. May I ask for your prayers for a successful procedure and a speedy (or speedy-ish) return to normal?
Naturally, I broke my right leg, so no driving for me for quite a while. I’ll take this enforced quiet time for prayer, writing and visiting my friends who have blogs. Actually, that sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? (Joy #2)
Here are some of the comments on my last post:
1) You had the same word ‘Joy’ last year and was challenged by it in your circumstances.
Yes Sharon, I think I’m starting to relate to your experiences.
2) You look forward to seeing how God teaches me joy in 2015.
I seem to be off to a roaring start.
3) I won’t fully enjoy the downhill until I’ve struggled up the hill.
Yes Lulu, I think I’m going to learn that big time.
4) My joy comes from being in and with Christ who never leaves me.
Amen my friends. In him, I am cradled in the best hands possible.
Here’s my ‘before’ photo. I’m in a splint and Ace wrap. I believe I’ll have a cast after surgery. Progress! And I’ll come out of surgery sporting some permanent hardware. I’ll be the proud owner of a plate and screws to stabilize the fracture.
Oh Joy!!!
Follow my progress on Facebook !
It must be so hard to find the joy in the midst of pain. So sorry you broke your leg, Ceil, but yes, what a joy your granddaughter wasn’t hurt. Praying God will ease the pain and give you a speedy recovery! Hugs!
Oh my!!!! I am so sorry to hear of your accident. I too fell down a couple of stairs in my home and fractured my leg (right). a few years ago. No joy in the accident but joy in the fact that God was with me and helped me be patient with the recovery time.
Praying for your speedy and complete recovery.
Let me know if I can help you in any way.
Jean
Oh dear Ceil. I am so sorry to hear about this fall and the breaking of your leg. May I say I do understand how overwhelming it all seems right now. You see, in 2011 I fell off a two step step-stool on to the hardwood floor in our kitchen and broke my left femur and my right wrist. I had surgery immediately, was in the hospital for a week and then on to rehab from there for two more weeks…and then three months of outpatient physical therapy. The platform walker and I were the greatest of buddies! 🙂 I now sport a rod in my left leg and plates and screws in my wrist. May I encourage you that there truly is JOY to be found…not necessarily in the circumstances (although there were some found there), but realizing in a more definite way just exactly from whence came my JOY…it was His JOY! I like to think of it as Jesus described in John 15:11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” I will be praying for you, Ceil…and doing all I can to encourage you. Wish I could be there to help out. Hugs
Ceil: Sometimes our joy is quiet.But it is also deep. Here in central Indiana, we are hunkered down. staying warm while the temperature has on it’s subzero attitude. There is some joy in the fact that Hubby has skills as a damage control man from his Navy days. (Actually a lot of joy.) will pray for you as you heal from your surgery.
So sorry to hear about your leg! Praying for quick recovery!
Oh, no….I’m so sorry! What a way to start off a new year…but you’re still able to find JOY in the JOYless! How AWESOME! Prayers for a VERY speedy healing! I know you’re gonna take advantage of the down time to REST in HIM!
I am so sorry to hear about your accident and I am praying right now for a successful procedure on the 7th and a speedy and full recovery.
Praying for you and yours.
God bless you all.
Oh no!
I am so sad to hear about this.
I broke both my legs (some time ago but I remember the pain of it all)
You are in my heartfelt prayers dear Ceil
Hugs
How ’bout some bright polish on those poor little tootsies …
Wish I could pop in with a pot of soup or a little hug …
;-}
Oh Ceil~ I am so sorry. It really does seem once we decide to work in an area of our lives that we begin to really get challenged with it. I hope you are able to find plenty to have joy about during your recovery. I am sure – that the surgery being behind you is a joy for you today! I will pray that your recovery goes smoothly. May God bless you~ Lisa :O)
OH NO!!!! How awful. Praying you heal sooner than later…the JOY is that your granddaughter is fine, you didn’t suffer a concussion etc etc. Of course, my humor is dry, but I am trying to find JOY in this. Keeping you in prayer.
Bless your heart, Ceil! Weeping may endure for the night, but JOY cometh in the morning~~~prayers for a complete and fast recovery! My sister broke her ankle and more last summer with her youngest grandson….at least Winter is here where you can rest and hibernate. Blessings~~~Roxie
Hope your surgery went well Ceil. Margaret Feinberg had an excellent article on Joy after 1 1/2 years of breast cancer (and all it entails). Think you might enjoy this:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2015/january/breaking-silence-after-gruesome-battle-with-cancer.html?utm_source=ctdirect-html&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_term=13556018&utm_content=327080399&utm_campaign=2013
MAJOR BUMMER!!! Thankful for drugs during times of intense pain-such as I am sure you are/have experienced! Looking forward to seeing how He uses this experience–as I KNOW He will! Thankful your grand was not hurt. Isn’t it just like life to throw us a curve ball when we least expect it? OH–but the joy you will feel when you connect with the pitch and hit a home run!
Take Care-Follow Doctor’s Orders-Heal & Be Blessed!
What a start to the year, I’m so sorry. I suppose one might find a little joy in that it won’t be permanent?
Oh Joy indeed! But you’ve already found some things to be joyful about in these circumstances. I pray for a speedy recovery for you dear blogger friend. I’m so glad that the baby was fine. I’m guessing maybe you needed a time to yourself and you weren’t on the to do list. I pray your time is not as long as they say it might be. Big hugs. xx
That actually does sound pretty nice! But I know it would be tough not being able to just get up and walk when you wanted to, though. Hang in there and enjoy the rest!
I have been thinking of you lots, Ceil. And I meant it when I said in my email that I would totally come to you with a cup of coffee. That sounds joyfull doesn’t it? Praying for healing. And just love that your word is JOY because I’m pretty sure God has more to teach me on that little, but not so little, word. Much love. xoxo
Oh my sweet friend…I am SO sorry to hear about this. Although quite traumatic, Praise God that the little one was fine and that it wasn’t worse. We never know when we are going to need to keep a little of that joy hidden away in our pocket when we are going about our day to day. God knew all about what word you needed for your year. By now you are home and resting comfortably I hope. I will be praying for your quick healing, my sweet friend. God bless you and grant you continued JOY 🙂
Oh Ceil, I’m so sorry. Praying for quick healing and relief from pain. Blessings and hugs!
Oh no, Ceil. You poor thing. However, I know you, of all people, will find joy in this situation. Sending prayers for a quick recovery.
Since you’ll be laid up for a while, I expect 2 posts a day for the duration 🙂
Oh my gosh!! You poor thing!! You are now on my prayer list. May You have a healthy and quick recovery!
Oh my! When things like this happen, I stand on Romans 8:28. You might not see it right away, but there will be something come out of this that will be better than before.
In the meantime, take advantage of this season of rest. May you heal quickly and strongly! Love and prayers for you!
Oh Ceil…God has ways of bringing us to the place of “joy” in your case. May you find it as you rest and recuperate.
Trusting your surgery went well.
I would love to come and paint your toe nails a happy bright pink bringing “joy” to your heart.
Take care and blessings,
Debbie
I love the idea of you painting her toenails, Debbie! What fun!
LOL 🙂 I think it would do Ceil wonders Pam!
Oh, no! Ceil, I’m so sorry. So glad your baby grand is okay. I’m sorry I didn’t read about this sooner. Life has thrown some “oh, joys” at us lately. Praying you heal quickly and completely. And I hope you relish the slower pace and quiet time. May the Lord bless you!
Oh NO!!! just read this and sent up a prayer for you. I think you will find all sorts of lessons in this experience – a good writer never wastes a tragedy. Be sure to post an after photo when you get time.
Oh Ceil, your broke your leg!! Yes, you obviously know that so you’re probably wondering why I’m stating the obvious….I’m not really sure.
I am so sorry, my friend! I will definitely be praying for you and for your recovery. Praise the Lord that the little ones were safe AND that you didn’t have anything worse happen to you. May you find joy and healing in our Lord.
Love and hugs to you!
Oh man! So sorry to hear this, Ceil. My friend just severely herniated his disc the other day, so I can very much empathize with how your life can change so quickly. You’ve already had the surgery, but I pray that your recovery goes well!
Oh my dear; what a way to start your New Year off joyfully!!! I am thinking our ‘One Word’ is definitely going to be a challenge; but that’s the whole idea…right?!! 🙂 I am sitting here thinking that God is using my ‘Word’ to jumpstart me into a year of challenge…but also success!!! I wish for you the very same…you already got the challenge part accomplished…LOL! Prayers for a quick and successful recovery sweet friend…find a whole bunch of joy during this time. 🙂
Oh Ceil! Praying for you, my friend! You have such a wonderful attitude! I thought of a joy for you–you broke your leg in winter when it’s hard to get outside anyhow and by the time your cast is off, spring will be right around the corner and you’ll be able to be outdoors! 🙂
Oh my goodness Ceil! What a way to start the year. But I love that you can see some good in it too. The quiet times of reading and praying. Since I’m a bit late to reading this I guess surgery is done. I will pray that you heal with JOY!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Oh dear! Joy does come in surprise packages! In this case…well…I am sorry, but joyful that your granddaughter was not injured and that your injury is fixable. May God grant you comfort and JOY as you recuperate. He may inspire you to do some writing about JOY in the midst of trials…We will look forward to what He is speaking through you during this time. Praying for your complete recovery and sending JOY your way.
I haven’t visited your blog for a bit and I am sorry to read about your fall ( I worry about that on our stairs with the grandkids too). Prayers for a quick healing for you from Wisconsin.
Oh, Ceil. No fun. 🙁 It is so frustrating when we need to be doing so many things to be stuck sitting on a couch. I’ve had my fair share of this over the last couple of years. I love your attitude in finding the joy in all the things that are good. A good attitude is worth more than gold during these times. There have been times that I was so tired of the pain and stress, but I would remind myself that my sons are watching me. When they go through difficult times, I want them to have had an example that showed them how to find joy, to continue praising God, and to always believe and have faith. Even at times when I felt myself doing it for them, it made me feel stronger. And I would feel a little better. I think you chose the perfect word for this time. Joy is so beautiful, and it makes us feel happy and grateful. You are such a beautiful soul, Ceil. I am praying for quick and full recovery, my dear friend. xo