It’s been 30 years since the car wreck that could have killed me or left me paralyzed, like Christopher Reeve. For those who may not know him, he had just played Superman when a horse-riding accident left him a quadriplegic. I had the same type of neck injury he did. The difference is that he was injured in a fall, while mine happened in a car accident—and my survival feels like a miracle.
My first grandchild was less than two months old at the time. A few weeks ago, he turned 30. I thank God every day for the gift of being alive. I am also grateful that I can walk and function fully, without any limitations.
This is just one of the many miracles God has worked in my life. More than once, I’ve faced situations that could have taken my life or caused serious harm. I believe there are also times I’ve been protected in ways I’ll never even know.
I have always appreciated life and its many blessings. Since my broken neck, though, I’ve become even more determined never to take anything for granted.
I don’t live with an “I have to” mindset. I live with an “I get to” mindset, because if I hadn’t survived—or if I had ended up in a wheelchair—I wouldn’t have the opportunity to do anything at all.
It’s the old adage of being grateful in all things—living with an attitude of gratitude.
When I catch myself complaining about something or someone, I pause and reframe my thinking. I remind myself that if I hadn’t survived—or if I couldn’t walk—I wouldn’t have the chance to complain about any of it.
It’s all about how we choose to see things. I experienced a major event that made it easier to redirect my focus, but I still have moments when I slip into a negative, grumbling mindset. It simply makes my gratitude feel more real and more intentional.
I encourage you to remember that we are protected in many ways when we honor God and turn to Him for guidance and protection.
You may feel that He didn’t protect you from this or that, and that you’ve had to endure some terrible things. But when we honor Him, even when we are under attack or facing challenges that try to derail our lives, God can and will guide us through. He provides a way forward, no matter what comes our way.
I know this because of all the numerous times and things that I have dealt with and things turning out ok anyway – and sometimes even better than they were before.
No matter what you are facing, or what lies ahead that feels overwhelming or impossible, God can bring about a good outcome. I know my God can and will, when I ask and honor Him, make a way where there seems to be no way. He is always there, waiting. It is up to us to turn to Him and draw from His strength and guidance.
Many Blessings as you make your choice to adjust the way you approach things and have the inclination to turn to God for your help, every day.