We take the simplest things for granted

It's amazing the things we take for granted... on Monday I did something silly and injured myself at work... freak accident that left me with soft tissue damage on my knee. There was nothing anybody could have done to prevent the accident. It was just one of those things. I didn't think it was bad until I saw the doctor...and was put on Modified Duties for 7 days.

So, I have spent the week on-site instead my usual off-site activities. I felt like a plane grounded at the airport - except I was still active.
So, having completed the 5 day work week, I have come to realise just how many things I do at work that I don't really THINK about!
When you MUST think about what you do, you realise how much you actually do... small things like pushing a wheelchair (with somebody in it) out of the doorway, or just turning them around to see something better, picking something off the floor, loading the washing machine/dryer/dish washer... assisting somebody to balance themselves, hugging people with balance problems - being ok being knocked off balance yourself - it never feels nice to tell somebody that you can't hug them today... but I did just that...and he understood... maybe it was ok because usually I DO hug him when he asks...and manage to keep us both balanced. Haha! The small things... that are actually big. It makes you realise that they do know you care...because saying no to a hug, with an explanation may be seen as rejection by some, but he must know I care, because he was ok with it. He knows I'll hug him next time...

So, tomorrow I have my follow up appointment with the doctor. He will either give me a medical clearance, or not. I am trusting God for the right outcome. There are underlying reasons why I wonder if he may not - and that will be a God thing. Otherwise, I will be happy to know the plane is ready for take off!

This has been a week of realising just how much I do without thinking...everyday tasks we all take for granted.

It has also been a week surrounded by understanding and supportive colleagues. They have been amazing. It is not always easy asking somebody to do the smallest thing you can't do - because you don't want to appear lazy or inconsiderate...but they have made it easier for me.
In some ways I was taken out of my comfort zone. I have an organised week. I know what to do, and what is expected of me. It is also usually quite busy, with some days that are go-go-go. Outside my comfort zone I was forced to slow down. To accept my limitations and appreciate the different environment with different people - who are not strangers. I was just spending time with a different part of the family. Refreshing my memory ans skills in supporting them. Spending more quality time with them, while leaving my regular group in the hands of capable others. I felt like I was leaving my babies behind...I really missed them.

I will never take my 'air time' for granted again...being 'grounded' is tough ;)

Blooming where you are planted

Recently I was reminded of a past struggle I had, and was greatly encouraged by it...

I was asked by a higher authority, why, with my higher qualifications, I was in the job I am currently in.

Great question! No, I didn't go to uni to do the job I am in...but that is the path GOD has led me on.

Yes, I have tried to gain higher positions in better paid, and more glorified jobs. Fact is, it took me a long time to learn that God had different ideas for me... it was not about ME. 

I finally accepted the word that I was to "Bloom where you are planted". I have learned a great deal in the last decade+ of employment...met many interesting characters...some I would gladly never meet again, others  have been awesome. Through this, I have learned many people skills....dealing with difficult people, how to work with all sorts of people.... and how to really love the 'unloved'. I have gained much confidence in myself and my work. I have made some great friends (and even some enemies....lol!).

It took me years.....maybe the better part of the last decade, to understand why I was doing what I was doing.

For now, I am happy. There are many opportunities still to come for this life... but I know I am where God wants me to be for this time.

I am who I am and I will not change my personality for anybody - I will make changes if I feel the need, but nobody will put me in a box to which I do not belong.

I am finally blooming where I have been planted. 

The label of my life....Esther 4:14. I was "born for such a time as this".

Surprise interview and new permanent day! :)

Talk about fast! I was in the staffroom yesterday morning, about to make a cup of tea after my early morning bus run (as a staff escort), when my manager asked what I was supposed to be doing in the next few minutes....then asked me to go into her office for my interview!

She told me to make my tea and bring it in. So I did :) I was starving and just needed something to get me by... then I had my short interview.

At the end of the day I was told I have my 4th permanent day I applied for! :) So now I have 4 permanent days, and am trialing my half-day Mondays. If it all goes well I'll be working 4.5days a week :)

So...this week I was sprung... 3 times! One was my offer for Mondays, 2, the surprise interview, and 3, ending the week with a new permanent day :)

It's been a good week :)