Hand of grace

The other day I had to work on writing a detailed summary of what has happened to me physically since September. As I recounted the accident, the possibility of losing my arm, nearly dying because of an allergic reaction that wasn't treated in time, horrible side effects of medications, and weeks of physical therapy, I was surprised at how I didn't automatically have the thought, "I wish this never happened!" I also didn't think, "I'm glad all this happened!," but I've moved to acceptance, and even some gratitude for God's hand of grace in my life, which has been especially evident during this particular course of events.

It feels like I'm rebuilding my life not only physically, but also relationally and spiritually. It's hard to trust--trust God, trust guys, and people in general, it seems.

For the most part I still wish all those things hadn't happened over the past few months. The after effects seem almost as overwhelming as when those things were happening. Yet, through it all, the presence of God has been noticeable and unforgettable. And I'm definitely a different person than just a few short (yet really long!) months ago.

We have been created to change and grow, and that purpose seems to have been amplified of late. Here are some things I've learned or had reinforced, in no particular order:

-'Consider it pure joy, whenever you face trials of many kinds' (James 1:2).
-God is truly, truly present in our lives and working actively, not passively or just remotely
-Every interaction we have with someone has the potential to bless someone in little or big ways
-There's no place for fear and a timid spirit!
-Even in the midst of seemingly constant struggle, He is always, always there, waiting for you to run to Him
-Miracles really do happen
-Just taking life one step at a time is sometimes all you can do, and you don't have to feel guilty for not doing more or being more
-Having an amazing church and some of the most caring friends and family in the world will help you get through most anything
-Satisfaction is only found when focused on Christ and others
-I can better understand and have more patience for those who are slower, have chronic pain, or have messy lives (don't we all?)
-There's a lot of little, stupid things in life that just don't matter
-There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
-We are free to make mistakes and to be authentic!
-I'm still fun and funny, even when I'm in a hospital bed or presenting to a group of community leaders about tax software!

And lately I've also been doing activities that make my heart happy... Hanging out with teens who have experienced homelessness and are on the road to self-sufficiency. Loving internationals. Volunteering to visit home-bound elderly folks. Hosting people at my home. Making crafty gifts for people. Creating clever radio shows that air in Bloomington. Going to small group each week and sharing life with others. Catching up with old friends and making room for new ones. Making connections with people and between people. Encouraging others consistently.

And something else that will make my heart happy is my upcoming visit this weekend to northern Indiana. I'll be visiting my dear friend, Kelsey. She was in China my second year there, and we had so many awesome adventures together. I've so thrilled to be reunited with her!

How have you seen God's grace evident in your life lately? How has your heart been happy?