On February 24, while visiting in California, USA, I fell and shattered my patella (kneecap). Due to a number of circumstances, surgery was ten days later. But right from the beginning, I was blessed.

I fell on concrete in a parking lot and was immediately surrounded by strangers, all asking how they could help. I'm tall, my knee wasn't working, and I couldn't lever myself up. Finally, two young men picked me up and deposited me in a lady's car. She was not only the first one to stop, but she then took me to where I was staying.

There "just happened" to be a walker in the garage, so I could manoeuvre around the house in a limited manner. A friend brought me a knee brace, another brought me dinner, another took me to the airport the next day to fly home. There I found out that I was upgraded to seat 1-A: first class! That made it much easier to get on and off the plane with one bad leg. Two friendly wheelchair attendants, one at each airport, made my journey much easier.

Surgery was a new experience for me, but the staff was incredibly patient with my questions and uneasiness. Despite others' predictions, I've had no pain! We can't figure out why, except that I'm being prayed for. My daughter is taking excellent care of me.

It's not been an easy few weeks, but I want to focus on the blessings that I've experienced and try to emulate Paul: "Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety." (2 Corinthians 1:11b NLT)

2 Corinthians 1:3b-4 – God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. (NLT)

This has also taught me that I need to be more aware of others' pain and suffering. I'm good at taking a few meals or driving people to doctors' appointments, but not very good at the ongoing phone calls and visits that lighten up the day for someone who is confined to the house or the hospital for a prolonged time.

It's easy to forget others' problems when our own lives are going well. But I want to work on using my situation to help me remember not only the blessings that I received but also the ongoing need to comfort others when their lives are interrupted by illness or other trauma. Perhaps you, too, have had an illness or accident in which you were blessed, and that helped you to understand how people need comfort during these times. How can you use that to encourage others in their time of need?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the way that You comfort us in our trials and illnesses. Help us to use those situations to prompt us to be aware of the needs around us and to minister to others in Your name. Amen.

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About the author:

Sharon Cook <craftercook@gmail.com>
Apache Junction, Arizona, USA
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