"I Got You"

At just after 2 o'clock Tuesday morning, I was awakened to the sound of one of my cats in my bedroom preparing to “cough up” a hairball. Now, for those who don’t have cats or have weak stomachs…I am truly sorry, but this really is a natural process and part of inviting kitties to become part of your family. However, Ricky is usually very private about this sort of thing, and I am not typically privy to the audio.

Back to my story.

It's about 2:11am Tuesday, I was awakened to the sound, and I knew in a split second that I needed to get Ricky off my carpet and onto the surface of my bathroom floor.

The following happened in about 5 seconds (or less).

I was awakened.

I leapt from my bed.

I scooped up Ricky.

I turned to enter my bathroom.

I started falling.

I landed on both knees, skidded an inch or so and fell forward, hitting my head hard on the bathroom door jamb.

I lay crumpled on the floor in immense pain. I cried and moaned and prayed and cried. All three of my animals became very alarmed and gathered around me. It took about 2 minutes before I could compose myself enough to painfully get up.

I stepped into my bathroom as my heart began to race. I leaned against the bathroom counter and looked in the mirror as the color drained from my face. That too was a new experience. The rosy cheeks went first, then the flesh tones and replaced with a light grey color. My knees became weak, and I became sick.

Moments later it was all I could do to get myself back to my bed and lay down until I quit shaking. Concentrating on my breathing, eventually my heart beat slowed down a bit and I was able to make my way to the living room. I stayed up until my alarm went off at 4am telling me it was time to get up and go to work. Instead, I turned it off and went back to bed.

I stayed home yesterday. The pain had all but subsided, but the vertigo, wow, I have never been dizzy while in a seated position, and that lasted all day yesterday.

I wrote from home on Tuesday otherwise I took it easy and am back at work today.

As I thought about my experience yesterday and even more so as I write about it today, I am so thankful to our Good, Good Father for protecting me. That could have gone horribly wrong, from broken limbs to a broken skull. I find myself once again with this overwhelming sense of gratitude and it made me think of a couple of Bible verses that talk about trusting in God’s care.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:2 ESV (and when you trip and fall in the middle of the night, I shall catch you.)

I know how important it is to appreciate the protection and care that surrounds us, especially when things go wrong. I am reminder also to cherish every moment and be deeply grateful for the unseen protection of guardian angels that keep us out of harm’s way.

I find myself back at the intersection of gratitude and faith. It is not just about the physical protection; it's the assurance that, even in the unscripted chaos, there is a higher plan at work.

Gratitude can become a compass, pointing us back to the simple joys of life and the unseen hands that guide us through its storms.

Today, as I navigate through what I can only hope is an ordinary day, I will carry with me the echoes of Job’s words:

"But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food." Job 23:10-12 ESV

My desire this morning is to encourage you. Whatever extraordinary, unpredictable event has happened in your life, trust Him, and embrace gratitude.

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

by Jeanette Stark – Wednesday, December 20, 2023