My life screeched to a bit of a halt recently after I fractured my left ankle and sprained a wrist. Initially I felt rather frustrated. But during the course of the past month of plaster, crutches and then moon boot I’ve had time for some honest reflection and have learnt a few valuable lessons:

• The world doesn’t cease to function just because I’m not charging around at 150 kph, über busy.
• My wonderful husband really is a tower of strength – thank you, Duncan.
• My wonderful husband can also cook!
• All of the things I was worrying about before I had my accident have lost their significance and almost magically melted away. God has it covered.
• I don’t have to be busy seemingly 24 hours a day, 24/7 to feel of worth.
• I don’t have to micro-manage everything.
• Having to slow the pace of my life has made me live in the moment, not constantly racing to plan or get the next item on my mental checklist ticked off.
• I am more patient.
• I’ve become more aware of what’s really important and God gives me ample grace to get through each day.
• Friends’ care and concern (and baking!) brighten any day.
• Day-to-day tasks take a bit longer and work has been a tad more challenging, but that’s OK.
• It’s OK to accept help and have other people do the things I can’t. (Letting go of the superwoman syndrome is good for me.)
• I’ve had more time to read and reflect.
• Being thankful for small mercies – it could have been so much worse.
• Shock-horror: I don’t have to carry around a heavy shoulder bag crammed with goodness knows what.  A pocket with the bare necessities does suffice, as long as my phone fits in!
• I have a huge new respect and total admiration for anyone with a permanent physical impairment.
• The scripture verse “Be still and know that I am God,” Psalm 46:10, has gained fresh significance.

 –Fran Pardon