Winter

Winter

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Divine Appointments


You know that when I went for my annual eye appointment and realized that 2014 was going to be a different kind of year, I admit to asking, "Why this year Lord, couldn't I just take a rest? A year with just minimal trials and a year of just smooth sailing? " So this year so far I have sat in medical offices far more than the ten years previous. Waiting rooms are places I avoid like the plague. Being made to sit there is the worse kind of torture. I thought I would tell you of some of my experiences.


I found out one day where you can buy girdles for cheap. I also found out that if I was a spy, I could tell you so much secret information you would never dream the people just tell me in waiting rooms. Or that when you have sat one hour after your appointment that people start yelling at the television. Did you know there are whole channels devoted to nothing but infomercials?
People don't look like Hollywood. Most people are very nice and are maybe more scared-bored-alone etc than I am and  more often in more pain. In my boredom, I decided to start trying to see these people as my divine appointment for the day. To see each person as a gift to me from the Father's own hand. It is funny how it changes my perspective. To try and see the ladies behind the counter as just as overworked and behind rather than just a pain in the neck.


Yesterday as I was sitting in yet another office. I had been there for already two hours, and I didn't think I would be going anywhere for a while. I noticed there are not clocks in a waiting room. I also noticed in this particular office, which is very nice by the way, they had every kind of drink you can imagine for the patients.
Which I thought very nice, but wondered, why do we have to have so much to pacify us while we wait?

Then as I waited, a lady came in. She sat next to me and started reading her book. I don't think she even looked at me. I just turned my head and stared at the window wishing I was anywhere but sitting in the chair I was occupying. The doctor came out to speak to the lady, and as I was trying not to listen, I started listening to her voice. I realized it was someone I had known and had not seen in a long time. I turned my head and said her name, and she turned and looked at me and my divine appointment was for a gal that had been one of my close friends. I was in her wedding a long time ago.


Our families had vacationed together and we had attended summer camps together. But as so often happens just lost touch. So I thought it was a very nice appointment that I had and decided that I have to change my attitude to one of expectancy and to see all of this as a good thing. I can't change the situation I find myself in these first few months of 2014 but I can change my attitude. I can be thankful for the place I am in rather than throwing a fit like I am so apt to do when I don't get my way.

 I was so thankful when I did get home. I was thankful for the fresh air and my chickens that give me peace. I was thankful my son had coffee waiting for me. There are so many nice things in life that I want to focus on rather than those things that just aggravate the tar out of me. I am so thankful today is Wednesday. I can't even begin to tell you. A whole beautiful day. I got my order from Dorr yesterday, so I already have wool soaking so I can dye more wool. I am thankful for this because it brings my attention to the small things and gifts than I take for granted.

Have a lovely Wednesday,
~Kim~


 " Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered, not by the things which He enjoyed. In order to fit you for His purposes both here and in eternity, He has lent you this sorrow. But He bears the heavier end of the Cross laid upon you!"
( Keep a Quiet Heart, p. 78)


24 comments:

TexWisGirl said...

really nice reminder to stop, take a breath, and change your perspective on things.

as for 'why this year?' maybe because you don't have major upheaval right now. no weddings to prepare for. kids moving, etc. you can give this time to improve your eyesight and health. YOUR year.

Nancy said...

Beautiful post girlfriend and what a wonderful point you made of being thankful for the same things in life...It think it was so neat for God to put her in your path after so many years....

Jacque. said...

You are one special woman, Kim. xo

Beth said...

A great post Kim. I have spent a lot of time in doctor waiting rooms too so I know how you are feeling. Each person in the waiting room has their own problems to deal with.

Debbie said...

This was a good post! I remember when I had my breast cancer 3 and a half years ago and found myself sitting in soo many doc's offices waiting room. Oncologist, surgeons, cardiologists, and my own docs. the Lord, I am quite certain to distract me, laid it on my heart to REALLY look around at the others sitting in the offices as well and to simply pray for them. So I went around the room in my mind and prayed for each of them. What a different perspective it gave me, and didn't leave me any time for fear. I have tried to remember those times when I have found myself waiting since then in various offices. Sometimes it is easier than others. In fact, got an appointment later on this morning so this was a good reminder of how to get through the anxious waiting time. Hope you have a good day!

Julia said...

I agree, a great post Kim. I like your title...
Good for you to have the wisdom to change your attitude. Attitude either makes or destroy ones day.

I for one don't mind sitting in Doctor's office as it's about the only time I can sit with a book or a magazine or even knit and not have to rush. It always take for ever before they call my name anyway. It's where I'm supposed to be at that moment in my life journey.
Wishing 20/20 vision soon.
Hugs,
JB

Wishing you a new vision for the rest of your life.
Hugs,

Alica said...

Divine appointments...what a great perspective! Thanks Kim! Hoping and praying for greatly improved vision for you...SOON!

Gumbo Lily said...

You were wise to see your days in the doc's office as divine appointments. Good for you! And good for others. Days like that do remind me how much I love my stay-at-home life.

Christine said...

I could just give you a big hug right now! This is so true! I think The Lord has given you 20/20 spiritual sight to see these things! Thank you so much!

Debbie said...

I enjoyed your post today. I wish they didn't have TVs everywhere. It is often tuned to something offensive that I would never see or hear at home. It's different when we step outside. Your comments were helpful and encouraging. Thank you!

Meg said...

Well, I think I needed this post today as I have been sitting and stewing in my own bad attitude.

Hey, if you need me to drive you anywhere all you have to do is call me and I'll come get you, ok?

cards4ubylouise and other treasures said...

Now that is a good example of walking in the spirit....when you ask God to do something for you....He does...but it is always in His perspective, not ours. Really neat that God put you next to a person who turned out to be an "old friend" there must be a reason.

Debbie said...

oh kim, an important message!! i bring my ipad everywhere, the time just flies by.

i LOVE my neuro's office, i never even get to sit down and he often comes himself to greet me. i have 15 minutes & that's it....but i know it and we both make good use of the time. i also know that is how he stays on schedule. once i waited 20 minutes for him and he explained to me why. how serious the appt before me was, without invading that persons privacy. he's wonderful that way!!

Kim said...

I love the way you look at life. I have a thousand stories from the past month at the hospital. Now tomorrow I will look at some of these people a different way

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

This is just such an inspiring post. In fact, part of this was my conversation with a younger mother on Monday night...attitude changes everything was our conversation. I love your divine appointment, and the fact that God blessed you through this trial.
My word for 2014 is restoration...and here God restored to you a joy during your waiting.

Miss Debbie said...

Glad you got to see your friend again. And that is a great quote...something to think about when things get hard!

Primitives By The Light of The Moon said...

Great post and so glad you got to see a friend from the past! Hoping there aren't too many more appointments in the near future!

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

What an excellent reminder that we control our outlook, our perspective ... as always, you make me think.

Pom Pom said...

How exciting that you were sitting by an old friend! And home to the chickens! Yay!

camp and cottage living said...

Kim
This is just one of the best post you have written!
It's amazing how different out circumstances can be if we would just remember that the Lord know every single thing going on in our life and has allowed it for some reason. And I especially liked your reference to the tired check out ladies. So often I am aggravated with their rudeness, but if we could see inside their lives we might be more understanding. I have been trying to be extra pleasant to them now.

Kerin said...

Kim,
Thank you for this post, and for inspiring my to enjoy each day more fully, for the blessing and the gift that it is.
You inspire me :)
What a wonderful thing to find an old friend.

Take care of you, enjoy the sunshine, blue sky and this beautiful day.

Kerin

Nellie said...

A very inspirational post, Kim. I am up-to-date on my Blessing Jar for 2014! It certainly puts new perspective on what we do and where we go. xo Nellie

Empty Nester said...

Oh, how I know you are right. And I am working on it. But, come on people, if your job is scheduling, then schedule the right way. Sheesh. LOL

GretchenJoanna said...

Wonderful story, such a good lesson! The TV is the hardest to deal with - I used to love to go to the laundromat and have some Alone Time (or divine appointments) but the last time I was there, a TV was blasting the most disgusting program, it was very disheartening.
But I'll be looking forward to more good reading about how in 2014 you turned your boredom to good use!