Attitude Of Gratitude

 

I had an awesome day last week.

I woke up early enough but, as is my usual fashion, dawdled around until I arrived at work with only a few minutes to spare before my first appointment.

Every patient seemed to have a long list of things to discuss, and my trainee had a complex patient to deal with, which delayed my morning clinic.

Then I looked at the rota and realised I had a home visit. For the uninitiated, this is where we go out to see housebound patients who are unwell and unable to attend the surgery. I belong firmly in the camp of those who believe this practice should be abolished, but that is a story for another day!

I don’t have a home visit every day. I certainly did not need one today.

I also had a meeting at a neighbouring practice over lunch, about 10–15 minutes away. I was already regretting why we hadn’t agreed to do it over Teams. There was no lunch provided, and I hadn’t been organised enough to pack one.

So, between my clinics, meeting and home visit, lunch was well and truly out of the question. I barely had time for a bathroom break before rushing off to my meeting.

I had to arrange an ambulance to get my home-visit patient to hospital and then dash back for my afternoon clinic, which I nearly arrived late for.

Somehow, a whole new batch of urgent admin materialised towards the end of the afternoon: an urgent death certificate, lab reports needing urgent review, and the usual suspects.

By the time I got home, after a straight 10 hours of work sustained by two cups of tea, a few digestive biscuits, a packet of sweets and an apple, I was absolutely knackered!

Thankfully, my dear husband had had a much easier day working remotely and had sorted out dinner. Bless him!

I had planned to catch up on The Traitors so I could watch the final episode live the following day. Otherwise, there would be spoilers everywhere by morning, and that would completely kill the excitement.

But I was so tired that I fell asleep! I had to wake up early the next morning to catch up before the spoilers found me.

But Did You Miss All the Awesome Blessings in the Day?

Let’s count them.

I woke up! In my own bed, in my own home.

I opened my eyes, and I could see.

I had a job to go to and a car to get me there.

People needed my help, and I was able to give it to most of them. Well, I tried my best!

I was able to teach and support someone else in their learning.

I couldn’t afford to miss that meeting because I was chairing it. My opinion was valued, and I had a voice.

I was able to hold my bladder until I could go to the toilet when I needed to. (Honestly, do not take this for granted!)

I was not in the hospital

The urgency of my afternoon clinic, and the need to complete a death certificate, reminded me just how fleeting life is.

I had some sustenance. Yes, it wasn’t exactly a balanced meal, but it kept me going!

I had a home to return to.

I had a loving husband who had sorted out dinner.

I had food to eat and a bed to rest in.

I had entertainment to look forward to, even if The Traitors had to wait!

I had hope.

I have God.

And suddenly, that day didn’t look quite so awful after all.

For every day and all it brings, I am very grateful. ❤️