Wild Child Ministries

When God tells us to slow down, His message can be overwhelmingly direct. For me, the communication came in the form of a broken ankle. Caution: Beware of taking little black dogs for walks on dark, rainy nights! (Don’t worry – the dog is fine.)

The first week after my fall I was relatively miserable. This was followed by an unwanted (although necessary) surgery of a plate and six screws being placed into my right ankle. Altogether, I was forced to completely halt my life for almost an entire month.

Now, I don’t do inactivity well. Somehow I was able to get my school work done and did not miss even one class. But, that is all I did. No time was given to my internship. I did no cooking or cleaning. Basically, I laid on the couch with my foot elevated and iced down while reading and watching old movies. I was at the mercy of my family for every need I had.

Throughout the month, I would have to send people up to my room for this or that. I had to rely on my family to make my meals and provide me with social interaction. As the days moved sluggishly on, everyone started getting tired of “waiting hand and foot on mom.” Everyone, that is, except my daughter Courtney Grace (a.k.a. Gracie).

My Gracie became my angel. Never once did she complain or make me feel like a burden. She cheerfully cooked delicious meals and kept the house in order. She sat with me hour after hour and showered me with loving attention. She even took a picture of my discolored and swollen ankle to e-mail to my mother. Ew-w-w!

Through the selfless efforts of my daughter, I was reminded of God’s Grace toward us. He says, for by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 (NASB). True grace is a gift. The ultimate beauty of God is portrayed when a person gives of themselves with no expectations of recompense.

God has blessed me with not only His grace, but with His gift of Gracie.

~ Wendi English