Arla's Glory Story

Today's story is shared by Arla who has been facing many of the changes and challenges that can come with aging.  Last fall, Arla's husband needed to move into a nursing home and, shortly after, Arla took a bad fall fracturing her pelvis. Unfortunately, she wasn't wearing her Lifeline Medical Alert so she lay on the floor for four and a half hours before help came. Thankfully, Arla is recovering and has been blessed by tremendous support from family and friends throughout.  Nonetheless, it's been a time for hard adjustments when she has needed to lean in to her relationship with Jesus for much strength and comfort.  I know you'll find her perseverance and joyful spirit an encouragement today.

I am so thankful to all who have pitched in to help and pray for me during this year of changes. I feel so blessed and want to tell you how God's wonders have played out for me. The Psalms are such a source of comfort and healing for me. This verse has become a vivid reality during these times:

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

I am getting around very well with a cane. The pain is minimal and I'm stronger every day. Now I have to remind myself to put into practice my resolve to "not waste my energy fretting about things" I have no control over (finances now) and continue to meditate on God's Word. I want to trust Him as He is always faithful.  

In hindsight, I realize all the blessings heaped on me from the time of the accident and continuing on right now. 

Blessing #1 — how all of my children stepped up to the plate.  I had quality time with each of them as they lovingly took care of me. 

Blessing #2 — the many friends who came to help out with their time and food in abundance.  I had quality time with them also!  

Blessing #3 — a slowing down (self-incurred). I've had more time in God's Word and adjusting to this period of Harold and my life without him here. I'm reflecting on all the good times and many years of our marriage.  

Another thing that is interesting to me is this intense message that has kept running through my brain:

In an impossible situation, don't waste energy fretting about it. 

Instead, meditate on God's Word.

I was sure that thought came from a recent devotional reading but I have retraced my past devotional and scripture readings and have not come up with that succinct thought. Could it have come directly from God? 

The answer is, YES!