There but for the grace of God

There are times, and you sometimes struggle to see it right then, but there are times when something happens that frustrates and irritates you and you should, in reality, be very grateful instead.

Today was such a day.

On the way home from work an accident had happened, just a matter of minutes before I got there. If I hadn't stayed those extra minutes to sort a problem it could have been me. The road, and a busy one at that, was shut completely and everyone diverted onto a very busy road that was at standstill with the extra traffic. I sat stationery for about fifteen minutes and then crawled for another 30. A journey that usually takes anything between 10 and 25 minutes depending on the time of day, took me an hour and 20 minutes. And I confess that to begin with I sat in my car fuming at the waste of time, fuming at the delay, fuming as I had a lot of work to do when I got home. And then I realised .... there but for the grace of God go I.

It could easily have been me in that accident, delayed permanetly rather than midly put out for an hour. Someone else was no doubt praying that they wished their husband/wife/father/mother/child was just delayed in a gridlock. The accident must have been a bad one. I heard on the radio whilst in the gridlock that a car had overturned ... never a good sign. So, a lesson learnt. Don't be irritated - look for the benefits and count your blessings.

My picture of the day is therefore in keeping. It was one of my favourite Christmas presents this year. I collect Willow Tree. I never intended to, it just sort of happened. I was boight one or two as gifts and loved them and they grew and I now have about 12 - each one special and with a special meaning and memory.

Last year was the year of letting go ... letting go worries and gurdges and angst and being 'freer' and so this was a very appropriate gift - the angel of freedom.

 
Isn't she beautiful?

I have some scrapping to share today - made yesterday for the House challenge this month on UKS. I figured I oight to enter as I designed a template to go with Hilary's sketch.

I do love my home town and these pictures, taken in December, sum up a lot of what I feel about Poole.

 

 Today I am thankful for

• NOT being in a car accident
• resassurance from a doctor

I'd also like to thank Scrappyjen for her lovely comments

And finally ....

.... but it's quite a goodie

I had my results today and I passed my Diploma in Counselling and so now have Counselling  Diploma entitling me to work as a counsellor and, what's more I was told that my final assignment was a model answer which was extremely well considered and put together.  Yey. I am so glad it is done.

Comments

[Catriona]

Well done,Karen. As well as the personal satisfaction of completing thecourse, I am sure you will use your counselling skills every day. How's the i- pad trial coming along?

[Sarah S]

Oh my gosh Karen, I'm so pleased you had to start your home journey late. Well done on your counselling course. You'll be great at the job. I've got that Willow Tree figurine and I agree with you. She certainly is beautiful xoxo

[Scrappyjen]

Glad you're safe. Lovely layout. I like willow tree too. Jenx

[Mary B]

Well done you, but I was 99% certain you would pass.
So glad you were not in the accident. The Lord was watching over you.

[Jimjams]

Congratulations Karen - your hard work has been rewarded.
What has happened today? You had a near near miss and several of my friends were affected by huge traffic delays today too. I'm glad both you and they are safe and my thoughts are with those that have been more critically affected today.

[Barb in AK]

Congratulations on your diploma!!

And thank goodness you are safe.

Take care!

[val]

Great news, well done. Take care, Val x