Tree Gives More Than A Bruise

So what did I learn this week? To explain it, I have to start at the beginning.

We had a big storm a couple of weeks ago. The winds were strong enough to take down one of our Bradford pear trees in the front yard and weaken the other one. While we were cleaning up and cutting down what was left, I somehow ended up lying underneath the trunk of the remaining tree.

 I was trying to save our home as the tree began to fall in the opposite direction than it was cut to fall; I convinced myself I could “help” the tree fall away from the house.  The tree had other ideas.  All I could see was that there was a good chance that that huge tree would take out the windows to our home. So, overestimating my strength, I tried to encourage the tree to fall another way. I know, dumb. I found myself on the ground in great pain after the tree had graciously slammed me there. So what was the damage? Pain, but I couldn’t let anyone know at that time. Our front yard was covered in tree and a car drives up and sees me on the ground under the tree. They ask “Is she okay?” I say to Kelly and Andrew, “Just pretend everything is okay” and I smile and respond, "I'm Okay". Then being much shaken up, my choices still lack wisdom. I get up and hobble into the house, by myself, saying I am fine while trying not to pass out from the pain. Somehow I made it to the bed with Andrew and dad right behind me. They gave me a blessing and took good care of me the rest of the night. They wanted me to go to the emergency room, but I am not one to do that if I think I can get away with it. So we didn’t go.

I made it through the night but the swelling on my leg was now gigantic. I was sure no bones were broken but Andrew and dad weren’t so sure and convinces me that it wouldn’t hurt to go see the doctor, so I did. I think the doctor was a little surprised when I revealed my battle scar. Bruising had just begun but the swelling was quite a site!! The doctor confirmed nothing was broken, but the bruising and pain would take time.

And he was right. The pain has been real, and it slowed me down more than I wanted.

But here is what I learned:

Pain humbles you.
It reminds you that you are not as strong as you think you are, and that you need help more than you want to admit.

Pain softens your heart.
Lying in bed, unable to move without wincing, I found myself thinking about the Savior Jesus Christ and the pain He carried both physical and spiritual. My pain is nothing compared to His, but it reminded me that He knows every kind of suffering, including mine.

Pain increases compassion.
This small taste helped me understand a little more of what so many people live with every day. Pain, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual, is never easy, but it can teach us if we let it.

In the end, the fallen tree gave me more than a bruise. It gave me perspective, gratitude, and a reminder that even in our hardest moments, the Savior is near and understands us perfectly.

And next time, I will let the tree fall where it wants.