Day 4: "Fragile Handle with Care"

Bed rest day 4. Today I think has been the most difficult of days for me. Sundays are usually my day to be at the church, spend time with friends, be out and about enjoying life. I instead was home from sun up to sun down. I guess you can say I got the fever, the cabin fever. I broke the rules a bit and stood outside to catch a breath of fresh air. The weather was absolutely gorgeous today. 

Through this entire process I have to be very careful with all the things that I do. Getting in and out of the car, posture, the way I twist, bend, pick up things, etc. It's exhausting just typing it as I'm sure it's exhausting to read. I was telling Gretchen and Justin last night that it's hard because it's not like I have a cast or a brace that people can see there is something physically wrong with me. 

I constantly have to be telling people (nicely) to handle me with me care because I am fragile. As much as I love kids jumping on me, or students giving me bear hugs, for the time being I have to refrain and be careful. 

Gretchen, being the thought provoker that she is said to me "I wonder how true that is of people who are broken on the inside?" you don't know that they are broken because there is not a physical hurt, cast, brace etc. How many people are walking around with an invisible sign over their hearts that says "Fragile Handle with Care"

How many people do we talk to on a day to day basis that are hurting or broken on the inside? Who are we taking the time to minister to in order for us to really know and get to see what's going on underneath? 

It's easy for me to fall into the trap of feeling like the victim who feels sorry for herself, but the truth is there are just as many other hurt people out there right now. My situation doesn't make me any more special, it just makes it unique to me. I thank God that I am surrounded by those willing to help and walk through this with me. But it pains me to know that others don't have that same support system. 

My challenge to myself and anyone who reads this is to reach out, you never know how it could change someone's day, let alone change their entire life. 

Day 4: Rough start, thumbs up ending!