Blessings: I'd count 'em, but can't count that high!

Earlier, I wrote a post on this blog entitled, "God Gives Me Good Things." No...I haven't changed my mind. I'm just reminding myself that this is so true in spite of seemingly negative things that happen. I was rejoicing that the MRI on my wrist didn't show much to be concerned about. So... I returned to my game of tennis only to have a painful, weak hand the following day. How frustrating!!! One "kind" person told me to get used to it. She didn't think such injuries every really healed. Another person gave me more hope by telling me to call the doctor and tell him I want to try occupational therapy. I did and I begin next week. I'm praying that through therapy and strengthening exercises, I can fully recover. But in the meantime, this whole ordeal reminds me of Paul's "thorn in his flesh" (See 2 Corinthians 12:7-10). The person with the not so hopeful comment could be right about not having a full recovery and I need to be prepared for that possibility. The blessings from such an experience is what is in verse 9 of that passage. Paul had asked the Lord 3 times to remove this "thorn." Jesus' response was, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Cor. 12:9. He went on to say how he would boast all the more because Christ's power now rests on him. "For when I am weak, then I am strong." v10 The person that comes to mind who exemplifies this truth is Joni Eareckson Tada . Permanently paralyzed from a diving accident as a teenager, she began a ministry that has touched the lives of thousands of people with (and even without) disabilities. Check out her ministry at this website: http://www.joniandfriends.org/ My so called "long journey to recovery" has had me in and out of a brace. When I wear the brace, people start asking questions. I tell them what happened and how frustrating the past months have been. But in the end, I tell them (as I'm reminding myself) that I am so blessed with so many other things, that if this is the worst thing that has happened to me, how dare I complain! When you begin to focus on the negative things going on with yourself, or of the things around you, try counting your blessings....if indeed, you can even count that high? We take so much for granted! "...I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing." Ezekiel 35:26b