Thankful

Hmmm, so this was not the post I had hoped to write. I had grand plans to blog about Christmas, about things I have been making and baking and to finish Miss R’s birth story.

How quickly life can change. How quickly our priorities and perspectives can shift. Things that seemed important a few days ago no longer seem so pressing.

I heard the crack. From my seat on the sidelines. A sickening thud in my stomach. Please no, don’t let it be him. His long socks gave him away. Doubled over, clutching his face.

It seemed to go in slow motion. He remained calm. His team were none the wiser; “a fat lip” someone commented. I knew. Knew it was bad. Knew we were off to emergency. Knew that in that one second all our plans had changed.

A broken jaw. A stay at St. George Hospital. Surgery. A wired jaw.

Our gorgeous girl keeping Dad company in hospital

Still, I am ever so thankful.

Ralph, the man in the bed across from J. He was on a bus, heading home. A truck slammed into that bus. Ralph is now blind and paralysed. A few of his mates came to visit. They had to feed him. He needs help with every task. Ralph’s life will never be the same again.

The man in the bed next to J was in a car accident. He has severe injuries. He was driving and his wife was the passenger. She is on another ward and comes in to see him many times a day. They will spend this Christmas in hospital.

There are countless other stories like that in every ward of that hospital.

I also think of Newtown Connecticut. Of everyone one of those families that is mourning the loss of a son or daughter. Whose Christmas’ will never be the same again.

We have so much to be thankful for.

Thankful especially for all our wonderful friends and family who have been so supportive. Who have left bags of sustagen on our balcony, looked after children, bought me meals or prayed with us.

In six weeks times the wires will be off, we will go back to normal life. Life is so short, so fleeting and it can change in a heartbeat.

I know this Christmas I am not taking things for granted. I am squeezing my babies more often and just a little tighter, telling those I love that I love and appreciate them, making the most of every opportunity to tell people of the freedom and hope that there is Jesus. But most of all, I am thankful that I can stand on the promise that God will use this for my (our) good.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Yep, He can even use a broken jaw for our good.

What are you thankful for this Christmas?