The story...
"You're going to have foot surgery on both of your feet? That's great, you'll be in a wheelchair and bring light on all the handicap access limitations within our facilities. Why not do the wheelchair option and indirectly help others along the way?" I accepted the surgery one foot at a time - traded the concept of a wheelchair with the reality of crutches. My struggles with crutches did require receiving help, possibly love too, from others; but, I didn't expose the handicap limitations some hoped for.
I remember standing in the snow, on my crutches, trying to work the entry card reader. my bag dangled from my shoulder as I attempted to open the door - I couldn't do it. I waited for another early bird to arrive and open it for me. I couldn't do it on my own and needed help. The experience was real good for me - it was teaching me to be both less self reliant and to receive kindness on the way. Strangely, those painful life lessons were good and I was "lucky" enough to repeat the process twice.
So, the painful experience was actually of great value like a pearl; yet, I maneuver to avoid similar pain today. Okay, that doesn't make sense - I will to remain thankful for life within all circumstances today. I stand in thankfulness for God's provision for today, tomorrow, and for all eternity too.
People, who choose to live their life out within the only church in town, would recognize the value of all life experiences worked out while listening to the will of God. They'll enjoy relationships with others whom they can express and receive loving kindness along the way. They'll recognize God's provision for those who accept His love and our His - "abba" father!
Just for today...
"The lessons were too painful - I would get excited about something, only to have my hopes shattered. As time passed and hope diminished, I fell deeper into despair. Eventually I shut down my feelings and refused to care or to hope for anything at all . . . It is risky to care - I may be disappointed. But in trying to protect myself from pain, I could cut myself off from the many delights that life has to offer. I will live more fully today." Courage to Change (p. 258)
"Christ the Vine; His branch out - Suffering trimming His, Fruit born anew." Am I a Poet?
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