So I ended up with a torn ACL in my right knee. Ouchies.
Not the best thing ive done recently...
Fast forward to July and im 2 weeks post op. Walking around and today getting the okay to drive again. In this time I have learnt an incredible amount of things, some of which I thought I would share.
=]
Needing knee surgery was tough for me. I worked since I was 11 years old to get to the point where I would be the first string pitcher in the rep team ( or at least get given a decent go) and be at a point where I would go to state camp and trial for NSW, even just for the experience.
Ruining my knee ruined these dreams, seeing my last year of u19s spent bat girling and fetching things for other players. Not that I minded these jobs, I just would have much rathered being out there on the field giving it my all.
Although, this year has been interesting to say the least. I am so grateful for the things I have experienced, building me into a stronger and more experienced young woman.
A little bit of faith can go a long way. Before the entire knee incident, I attended church and youth, and loved it to bits. I jumped around with all the other crazy teenage kids, sometimes helping out selling drinks and chips, but mostly causing a bit of rukus and having fun.
After hurting my knee (and subsequently realizing I couldnt jump around in the mosh for a very long time) I began helping out with graphics. I began learning new skills and getting involved in serving. Over the past 6 months I have grown not only in technical skills, but in my love for serving and for God and church.
I have planted myself into a place where there are so many people to chat to, hang out with and support each other. =]
During this time however, I did question why on earth I had to ruin my knee. Why did I work for 7 years for something and have it end up like this. Why were my dreams squashed through one simple incident. Why would God let it end up like this!!
If I hadn't hurt my knee, I wouldn't have got involved in church so much and had the experiences that I have. I wouldn't have built the friendships that I have, and I wouldn't be the same person I am today. I had to trust, and have faith that there was a greater purpose.
I was talking to a friend the other day, questioning why it had to happen like this. Surely there was some other way for God to get me to do the things I was meant to or tell me to get involved in things i have. Why did it have to happen like this? Its so painful! Her response? maybe you weren't listening?
Oh......yeah.......that too........
So my point for today.
Stop and listen once in a while. Don't get so caught up in your circumstances that you don't have time to stop and listen, to whatever you may need to. Listen to God. Listen to your heart. Listen to your trusted friends. Listen to other people's advice. Just listen.
and once you have listened. Take the time to reflect on situations. Ask yourself if what you are doing is building you up or pulling you down. If its pulling you down... maybe its time to let it go.
The next thing I have discovered over the past few weeks is about friends.
Unfortunately I have come to realize, that sometimes when you need them most, the friends you thought you could count on, just don't show up.
Friends can come from the people and places that you least expected them to.
In my recovery I have been surprised by a couple of the most amazing people. I wont name them. but im guessing if they read this they will soon work it out.
I met 2 people in recent months who I have hung out with a bit, but weren't heaps close buddies with, I just hadn't known them long enough to develop that relationship.
I was amazingly surprised by their kindness in visiting me, talking with me and making my recovery that bit more interesting and exciting. Doing more than they had to to make sure I was okay. =] They are beyond awesome. I love them :)
So what i learnt from this? Friends are AWESOME. but other than that..
don't limit your friendships. Before now, with one of the friends I had subconsciously put a limit on our friendship. Having the mentality. She is heaps older than me. Theres no way we could be like friends friends, i just cant see it happening. Shes awesome and so entirely energetic and full of fun... but i just cant see it. I'm too young. She won't like me. She probably thinks im weird...I know other people that have done the same thing. blocking themselves off from opportunity and sometimes not even realizing it.
Give people a chance to get to know you. Give yourself a chance to get to know others.
People will surprise you. Both in good ways and bad.
I have been surprised by another friend I have known for a while, who also came and visited me. Its crazy how things can turn out SO DIFFERENTLY from how you thought. Give God a chance to surprise you, and he will.
Lastly,
appreciate the things you have. In the blink of an eye they could be gone.
Love the little things.
Embrace the good and the bad
learn from the things you do
there are so many opportunities awaiting us in the world.
Oh, and finally. I am now 18 :D
but I have learnt that you don't have to fit into the stereotypes society gives you.
No I DIDNT drink on my birthday
No I have not gone out and got smashed for the sake of it
No I haven't been out partying till all hours
No I dont plan on it.
I have a greater purpose in my life
There is so much more than alcohol, drinking, parties and the rest.
Society may call me a loser, a nerd, wasting my life away, not getting out and "enjoying" my life.
But i can tell you.
I am enjoying it quite fine as I am thanks
=]
The people who want to change the world DO.
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