Giving Your Pinky Toe
Photo Courtesy @iStockphoto
Time for a much needed update. I’m 50% done with my accelerated nursing assistant program. It’s going very well, I even have an A, but the written final is in less than 48 hours. I’m thinking my mom is pretty proud, we didn’t see too many A’s in the formative college years.
It’s been a huge adjustment for our family; going to school eight hours a day and then doing ten chapters of homework and studying for quizzes most evenings. But each one of my men have largely contributed to making my dreams come true; my grateful heart is full.
We covered a huge textbook in 36 hours of class time. But it’s actually clicking for me. This is the way I think, medical terms make sense due to my love of words and writing, I read so much faster than I did 22 years ago and life experience has taught me much more than I would have realized, had I not gone back to school.
So naturally I reflected on all I’m thankful for this past Thursday. First I’m eternally grateful for each friend and family member God has blessed me with. I learn to love from each one and am a better person because of the people He chose to put in my life. Second, I’m grateful for opportunity. I cannot believe that I get to go to school. I sit in wonder every day at the golden chance to be educated in caring for all of God’s people.
The culture would have me believe I should sacrifice something to “pay back” all I’ve been given. But would I give my first born for this opportunity? Never.
What about my pinky toe? See some women are giving their pinky toes for the opportunity for their shoes to fit better. Seriously. Don’t they need them for balance? Do they have phantom limb pain (there’s my new medical training in action)? Can she afford shoes after the medical bills hobble in? Is she offered a discount on pedicures for only having 8 toes?
Look at the picture above. Does she have pinky toes? We’ll never know.
Anyway, I don’t think God is calling me to give up something because I’m grateful. He isn’t looking to be repaid.
I do believe He wants me to express my thankful heart, but He’s just fine with this little piggy staying home.
Audra Krell 
Awesome post! You know I’m a sucker for a great ending! I’m with you and so appreciate your perspective. I too am blessed by the people that God has placed in my life. Thanks for being one of them.
Congrats to you and yours on the accomplishment. Keep it up, Audra. And mostly keep up the good-God-given-heart.
Thank you Floyd. So glad you are in my life. You and Diane will always be foundational in my dreams coming true. A mighty responsibility my friend….LOL. But I do thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I have to agree…awesome post. I am so proud of you for making your dream come true Audra. Your a great encouragement to others my friend ♥
Thank you for your support JoAnne, you encourage me! Isn’t it beautiful that God designed friends to do just that!
I could seriously go for a pedi right now…Oh, wait. That wasn’t exactly your point, though you had me at pinky toe. 🙂
Blessings on your new endeavor, & grateful along with you at how God answers prayer & helps us realize our dreams into reality. Could not be more thrilled for you. Can’t wait to see the next page in this story.
Aw thank you dear friend. I’m just so excited. Come down here for Starbucks, shopping and pedicures. Also I will do some scary “procedures” on you. LOL
Cool!
Ooh — that’s a creepy thought (giving up their toes??). But congrats on your schooling. What a blessing! What a great and wonderful thing. I’m happy for you.
Creepy but true! Thank you for your blessing Susan!
I loved reading this!
________________________________
I am so very proud of you! You inspire me sister. Are women really doing that? Disturbing.
Yes, women are having their pinky shortened or removed so high heels are more comfortable.
That is beyond pride.
Amen. But we’ve all got out stuff, yes? I cannot imagine how bad that would hurt…..