by Rachel Ryan
Ten years ago, I never would have thought I’d write a post about being thankful for tragedy. But, as I reflect back on the summer I slammed into a boat dock during a tubing accident, I have more positive emotions than negative ones. I’m okay with—and even grateful for—that time because it has taught me the blessings that arise out of hardship. As we continue to find ourselves in a place of uncertainty with COVID-19, I hope these lessons will help you adopt a renewed perspective on the challenges we all currently face.
Here are four reasons I am thankful for tragedy:
1. Tragedy brings people together.
That summer had been about coming together—my dad’s family, including sixteen grand kids, six aunts and uncles, plus spouses, and grandparents—all rented a cabin on the lake. We’d wanted to do that for a while and July 2010 gave us the opportunity. But, after the day my twelve-year-old cousin and I had our fateful tubing incident, I saw my family come together in ways a tragedy-free week on the lake never could have replicated.
I saw relationships heal—people who hadn’t talked to each other beyond surface-level or maybe ever—have long conversations in the waiting room of the hospital. I saw people who normally held their reservations about each other let their walls down and work together to care for us, delivering salads and smoothies to the ICU.
It was nice to spend significant time with family whom I don’t see often enough, but what was even better was the emotional distance that was bridged as we came together through this tragedy.
2. Tragedy is an opportunity for rest.
That year had been the most stressful season of my life up that point. It was my final semester of college and I wound up taking twenty hours of classes to finish my degree, not to mention newspaper, chorale, work, intramurals, and every other extracurricular I squeezed into my schedule. After graduation, I was ready for a long summer’s nap.
Tragedy gave me the time that I needed. The only thing I was expected to do that summer was heal. I didn’t have to read, work, write papers, or worry about bills—just lie in that hospital bed and listen to my doctors. Even then, I remember thinking what a gift it was to be able to simply rest.
3. Tragedy facilitates healing.
The obvious concern was for my physical healing. My cousin and I both broke our femurs and I also broke my foot, ankle, pelvis, and rib. We both needed time to sleep, rehab, and heal.
But beyond the physical healing, there were spiritual wounds I suddenly had time to address. My break-neck pace of life had injured me in ways I didn’t understand. I lived with considerable amounts of anxiety, buzzing in the background of my life, and the opportunity to slow down and consider what I was doing, why, and whether I should be doing other things was an unexpected gift afforded through tragedy.
4. Tragedy is an opportunity for growth.
I’m stronger now than I was before the accident. I was active then, but now I’m far more motivated. My doctor predicted I’d need a knee and/or hip replacement by the time I was thirty. I turned thirty last summer, and though I’m currently dealing with a torn meniscus and am in physical therapy, I’m nowhere near needing a new joint.
I’ve spent the last ten years exercising regularly, trying new ways when one became too difficult and building strength so I can avoid my doctor’s worst predictions and make the most of my new, post-injured life. Turns out, even with a titanium rod, I can still run, skip, squat, and jump—I just need modifications from time to time. I’m not signing up for a marathon, but I’m also not missing out on life.
This is where I’m at and I’m thankful. My tragedy gave me the perseverance I needed to grow. It forced me to recognize strengths and work to overcome my weaknesses. I’m a better, stronger, more motivated version of me because of this season of struggle.
Today marks a season of struggle for many of us with financial loss, loneliness, and physical suffering. COVID-19 has affected millions of people in a myriad of ways. But one day, I pray you will look back on this season with gratitude. The times we are hurting are the times we draw together. In being forced to slow down, we are given time to rest and heal—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Our struggles build strength and provide opportunities for growth.
In the midst of this global pandemic, I pray you will look beyond the surface and see that we still have reasons to be thankful.
Call To Action: What’s a challenging circumstance you’ve experienced in the past that later turned out to be a gift? How does seeing how God worked it for good help you hold on to hope through our current crisis?
About the Author: Rachel Ryan is a former stay-at-home mom and freelancer. She now teaches English at a public high school in Wilson County, Tennessee, where she and her daughter live. Rachel enjoys reading spiritual nonfiction, eating dark chocolate, and taking walks with her daughter, Olivia, and their two dogs, Ridley and Bella. After she adjusts to her first year of teaching, she’ll pick back up on her blog, ahopefullword.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook or Instagram.
8 thoughts on “4 Reasons I’m Thankful for Tragedy”
Jen and Rachel, your title pulled me in. It’s difficult to be able to say “thank you” for the hardest places and yet God is infinitely greater than our hard. The lessons you learned resonate with me as well. I’m sorry for the tragedy but grateful for all that God has done in it. Good to connect with you today.
Thanks so much for taking the time to read Rachel’s message and leave a comment! I’m glad to hear the lessons she shared resonated with you!
Wow. As a girl in the suburbs, I hadn’t played through the disruption in food supply. Thank you for this information and getting me to think about this for the year.
You’re welcome, Lisa!
I really resonate with this Rachel. I learned this when I was forced into isolation during thyroid cancer. The peace in just getting to BE. I returned to my old patterns after a few years and had to relearn it later but that second time when I thought I’d never get my health back , I found the secret to it. Going deeper. Doing the inner work. It’s hard to explain to people that I balanced my hormones and got rid of my pain when I started writing and journaling and saying yes to the things that energized me and stepping back from the things that didn’t. Giving myself permission and freedom of expression and so much more. Thx for the reminder today !
Kate, I am in this place now – finding peace in just getting to BE. Not striving, not rushing around trying to fit a million things into my schedule – just pouring into my family, taking time to journal, and embracing rest. My health has not been good (still struggling with daily nerve pain) and I am trying to do the inner work while seeking God’s presence on a deeper level. I’m praying for healing, but know whatever happens God will bring good from it. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story here and for taking the time to leave a comment!
Thank you Jen for sharing Rachel’s post. It is important to focus on the positives when facing uncertain times. My two biggest positives are my Savior , Jesus Christ and my family. The shelter in place blesses me with rest and joy in simple things…more time to enjoy now and to be more of what He knows I can become❤️
Mary, I am finding the same thing – staying at home has given me more time to spend with God and my family. I am finding joy in teaching my kids, playing outside, reading, and cleaning out the old to make room for the new. I am not pushing myself to be productive every moment of the day so I can rest in His presence and cultivate an inner peace that a slower pace of live allows. Thank you for your continued support and encouragement with my blog! It is always great to hear from you!