Last Thursday I had to head back to the doctor due to extreme pins and needles(nerve) pain in my ankle. They wanted to make sure the cast was fitting correctly and there wasn't an infection or something else going on. Fortunately, it wasn't anything serious. They were able to pad a new cast differently and give me a different medication that will help with nerve pain.
As we were sitting in the waiting room waiting to be called back, a woman and her husband sat down across from us. The woman looked to be in her upper 30's and physically fit. She was sitting in a wheel chair because her one leg was missing just below the knee. As we sat and waited, we couldn't help but overhear bits of their conversation. As they were talking, she was extremely positive and upbeat.
Then she struck up a conversation with me asking how much longer I needed to have my cast on. I told her with any luck I would get a walking boot on June 16. Her response was "Casts are the worst thing. Granted it's annoying to have my leg cut off but casts are worse!"
Ok, so let's back up the conversation...she said it was "annoying" to have her leg permanently cut off but a temporary cast was worse?!? Now that's some positive perspective!
For the first time in my life I didn't want to be called back to a room right away. I really wanted to continue our conversation and hear more of her story but as luck would have it, I did get called right after that statement.
Her one statement has impacted me greatly. I will probably never run into this woman again but what she said and her positive attitude will stick with me forever.
It really is all about perspective isn't it? We get so wrapped up in what's going on with us that we forget there are others out there who are struggling as well and have much bigger challenges to deal with.
I am committed to keep things in perspective. Yes, there has been pain and yes, I've had to humble myself and ask for help and yes, my dirty house is starting to get to me but this is all temporary. In a few short months, I should be back to normal and going full speed ahead again while others have longer term issues to deal with. So, for now, I will keep things in perspective.
Isn't it wonderful that sometimes we run into the right person at the right time!
ReplyDeleteI was once told, when it comes to attitude, "Whether you think it is or you think it isn't, you are probably right." Since then I've tried to have positive thoughts - it does make a difference! Isn't it wonderful how a chance meeting can brighten your day and make a difference in your life?! Hope you have a great day. ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteGod has a way of putting us in our place....especially when he knows our hearts are tender and we will learn.. One of the things I try to do on a daily basis is to look around me and "speak life" to those that cross my path.. I agree, it only takes one glance around to see there are others in much more need. The troubles and trials of this life are simply a matter of perspective....the attitude we have towards circumstances and even others is powerful thing. Great post and a great reminder to me to watch my words and my attitude! Blessings my friend!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! It is so refreshing to hear about this dear lady's positive attitude. I would say she has been through the school of hard knocks to learn it, but what a blessing that she has allowed the dear Lord to mold her into a joyful vessel through it all. :) So happy to have met you today.
ReplyDeleteP. S. I am your 100th follower!!! What a sweet milestone for you. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you stopped by my journal. I wanted to thank you and just happened to stop by and read your empowering post. There's a T-shirt out there, " The very this we complain about--- someone else in praying for..." I try to tell myself that all the time.( I May even order the shirt now!!!) . Perspective can make the difference in everything... I needed the reminder-- thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful uplifting post Lori! My mother used to say "there's always someone worse off than you are" and she was right. And when I would complain about my boss my husband would say, "you could always get a worse one" and he was right. :) I'm counting my blessings..... marlene
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