The Glad Game

June 30th was our 37th wedding anniversary. We awoke with high hopes for a fun-filled time on a beautiful Oregon day. First on the agenda was our usual four-mile walk. However, because Mark had been experiencing some pain in his left arch, he decided to ride his bike along our route, while I walked. We've done this many, many times, and thought nothing of it. When Mark rides, he usually pedals past me as I walk, then does a u-turn and comes back to me, then rides ahead again, etc., since he can obviously ride much faster than I can walk. It was on one of these u-turns that his bike slid out from under him on some gravel, and he went tumbling. Long story short - he broke two bones in his left foot, and will probably be on crutches for about four weeks. No cast, just a soft Velcro shoe.

The main result of his bike accident was the cancellation of our teachers' trip back East to study the Civil War by visiting many battle sites, listening to lectures, hiking the terrain, etc. We had planned to extend the trip on both ends by spending time in Atlanta and Savannah. We were due to leave today. Alas, it was not to be.

The Sunday prior to Mark's bike accident, the pastor of our church shared a story from his own life - a time when he suffered a broken arm the night before an important event. That accident actually changed the trajectory of his entire life. At first he was angry, and questioned God's wisdom in allowing this event to occur in his life. As time has progressed, however, he has learned to embrace the lessons God taught him through his own accident, and to accept the way God used those circumstances to shape him into the person God wanted him to be. Little did we know as we listened to this powerful sermon that just three short days later, Mark would suffer his own broken bones. The irony has not escaped us!

So... here we are. A bit disappointed, because we had SO looked forward to our trip together. And frustrated, because the crutches limit Mark's mobility, he is experiencing some pain, and the lovely month of July will come and go with Mark hobbling about.

Remember Pollyanna? She played the Glad Game. When seemingly bad things happened in her life, she tried to find something to be happy about in the situation. So today, I have been looking for the silver lining in all of this, and thinking about what lessons the Lord might have in mind for us.

We have much to be thankful for. First, the timing. Just the week before Mark's BIG WIPE-OUT, we enjoyed a wonderful pre-anniversary trip to the beautiful Wallowa Mountains, where we hiked in Oregon's "Alps," and spent wonderful time together.

Also, his fall occurred close to home. He is able to be treated by our own doctors and hospital. And this little disaster didn't happen during the school year. Mark has had several surgeries in the past during the school year, and it is SO hard to teach middle schoolers and negotiate the school hallways while on crutches. Sure it's hard to be on crutches during the "off season," but it has its advantages as well.

Second, the seriousness of the injury. Yes, he has two broken bones, but it could have been much worse. He was wearing his helmet, which probably prevented potential injury to his skull. He will be hobbling about for a while, but we thank God for His protection over Mark.

Next - there is definitely something to be said for just slowing down and enjoying life at a slower pace. One minute we were frantically planning our trip east, making hotel reservations and guided tour plans, and the next thing we knew, our entire summer was stretched out before us like a blank slate, unplanned and open. And there's something about that that's just delightful.
And so we count our blessings, and ask God to teach us everything He would like us to learn through this experience. I am praying that God would teach me more about flexibility and patience. And I am SO thankful for God's love and care. Mark plans to do some painting. And rest. And rest some more. And some more. He is a very good patient! ♥