Gratitude for a Serious Injury

It will soon be six months since I took an accidental tumble after my foot slipped near the top of the stairs while I was taking a wastebasket up to my home office.

I thought the injury problems would clear up in two or three weeks. They wound up taking nearly five months, including six weeks of concussion therapy. Not to mention tiredness that lasted several weeks beyond a final trip to the neurologist’s office.

In the midst of my struggles, I agonized over why I had been so dumb and failed to grab the hand railing, which could have easily prevented my fall.

Positive Lessons

However, as I reflect further on my mishap, I can’t deny it had a positive side.

The benefits begin with the trip through Humility Land I was forced to take. Weakened to the point where I couldn’t carry on life as normal, I had to acknowledge my limitations and my dependence on God.

I also could bask in the glow of knowing my wife truly loved me. Not because she said so, but because of the ready, hands-on help she rendered in my biggest time of need.

For nearly two weeks after the accident, I was helpless. I couldn’t even take a shower without her there to wrap my arm in plastic. I had to protect the wrist brace I wore for two months-plus after breaking a bone in my left hand.

Expressions of sympathy and concern from friends and loved ones were another bonus. I knew others cared because they asked about me, texted me notes, and told me they were praying for me.

Another Benefit

However, the icing on the cake came in mid-April. That’s when I received a text from a friend who I had just finished helping write his latest book.

He mentioned a granddaughter had suffered a concussion while working out in the weight room. After six days, her headaches were persisting.

“There was no brain bleed or swelling but not sure why the pain is still there,” he said. “She was lifting 125 pounds and lost her grip and took a blow to the top of her head.

“You will understand when her sports doctor said concussion therapy may be needed. Prayers needed and appreciated.”

Immediately I replied: “Will indeed pray. Tell her to get the therapy and to do whatever they tell her, and not to be alarmed. These things are brutal and require a lot of rest.”

Later that day, I followed up with another message, telling him I would be glad to talk with her and offer some words of encouragement.

After all, I could relate to the pain, confusion, and nervousness she likely was experiencing.

A Divine Word

This incident immediately brought to mind a New Testament passage: “Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4 MEV).

Having been comforted during the series of challenges brought on by my concussion, now I could lend that comfort to someone else.

That gave me a new sense of deep gratitude for suffering the most painful of setbacks. Looks like the Bible is true.