a year ago today...

My wife and I were reflecting this morning on the fact that a year ago today, I was in physical therapy for my broken wrist, sustained during a nasty car accident two months earlier.  She said she still thinks about it, and it has made an impact on her life.  I have often thought back to that accident and the events of what was happening a year ago today, and have considered how it has made be a different - even better - person.  Because of a nasty accident and the events that followed it, today I am:

• more empathetic - I know what it is like to go through a traumatic accident; what it is like to have the use of only one arm and hand; to be in pain and have to rely on others
• more easily able to accept help - having to rely on others for transportation, for carrying items, even for dressing me, I can ask for help much easier today
• more thankful for the little things - the ability to move easily; the importance of really good friends; the understanding of colleagues; the ability to type this blog without thinking about my fingers - life is pretty amazing
• a better manager of my time - I was pretty much able to keep up with the demands of my role during my time of surgery and recovery.  I had to learn what was really important to get done and who I needed to rely on to get things done.  It almost feels as if I have more time these days
• more patient - whether it is waiting at stoplights, waiting in line, waiting for a person, or waiting for something to happen, I have learned that patience within myself makes for a much less stressful (and better) life
• a better driver - after experiencing the results of what happens when someone does something stupid on the road, I have become much more careful and observant while driving.  

So what about you?  What's was happening a year ago today that has impacted you now?  How have you changed in the past year?  Where are you better at what you do - or perhaps where are you worse off? How has your thinking changed...how have your behaviors changed...how has your attitude changed...how have your relationships changed...how have your work habits changed?  Perhaps it is time to take a personal inventory and take a look back at a year ago today...and after looking back, pause and reflect on any changes that have taken place..and after pausing and reflecting,.think about how you will move forward from this moment...and after thinking, thank God that you are here now, ready to serve and lead in the kingdom.