I sat across from a
seminary student in a restaurant booth this Christmas, eating breakfast
together while we discussed a theology of suffering. Suddenly, he leaned forward and asked, “How
can you be so thankful in the midst of the challenges you face?” His question surprised me; I took another
long sip of coffee before I began to answer.
It’s true. I have hard days when I am discouraged by the reality
of my limitations. In those moments, I
do try to make a conscious effort to be both positive and realistic. The more
time I spend with others who live with disabilities, especially others who also
live cerebral palsy, the more I am learning that the simplest things we do in
life, the abilities we often take for granted, are the most profound. I am thankful that when I open my mouth I can
speak and sing with clarity. I’m
thankful that I can drive. I’m thankful
that I can live independently.
I’m thankful that in my moments of weakness, God shows Himself
to be strong and able. I used to assume
that God didn’t care about the struggle people face when confronted with
disability, because if He did, He would do something about it, intervening like
Jesus did in the Bible. My mind has
changed as I continue on my journey. I
believe God is very near; He meets us in our struggle and walks with us in our
pain.
Living with a disability has not taught me that I need God
more than anyone else, but it has been a vehicle that has helped me become more
aware of my need for Him. It has also
helped me to hold a more eternal perspective.
Our troubles really are light and momentary. Someday I will move with flawless grace, but
until then, I love the invitation that Paul gives, to fix our eyes not on what
is seen, but on what is unseen because what is seen is temporary. What is unseen is eternal.
This song has been an incredible encouragement to me this
week. I hope it will be for you too.
What are your thoughts
on thankfulness?
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