Because.

One year ago this week (Tuesday), my knee looked like this.

Roughly 10 hours later I was back in my bed with my leg looking like this. Thankfully, I remember very little of the in-between (other than the nerve block [OW], waking up the first time, vomiting, and various random pieces from the ride home).

A couple days later I had the great revealing.

It actually didn't look half bad (all the bruising was on the back).

Two week check-up, I got to see what they had done.

That crack/lighter area from the top of the bone above the screws to a ways below them?

That's a purposeful break. And yes, it does hurt when they break your tibia. I promise.

I had done everything possible to avoid this surgery. Therapy, braces, more therapy, orthotics, not doing anything active, and more therapy. It's not a fun surgery and sometimes it doesn't work. But I was desperate to be able to sleep a night through without the aching or to be able to run without a dislocation..

I did it out of desperation.

God turned it into a blessing.

He took the therapy that I did and all the time I spent rehabbing. All the time I spent on crutches and in braces, and gave me a heart for people who are going through the same kind of thing. He took what I originally thought was horrible and awful, and turned it into a blessing.

Because of my knee, I have an understanding for those who are frustrated.

Because of my knee, I have a sympathy for those who are feeling defeated.

Because of my knee, I discovered my Love for people who are hurting.

Because of my knee, I discovered what God was trying to show me.

It was right in front of my face the whole time. I enjoyed going to PT. Weird, I know. But I was intrigued by watching the therapists and the athletic trainers work with their patients. The way they interacted. The knowledge they had. I never realized He was showing me something that would make such an impact in my life!

It did finally click. And I am on my way to PTA school in a matter of months... I love how He once again, took something that was such a pain at one time and turned it into something I am incredibly excited about. It just goes to show that He knows me better than I know myself!