May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2013 is in the history book: 2014 opens before us with a book of blank pages. What will be written in the next 365 days?
Reflection is a good thing if the goal is to learn how to live better today and not get discouraged by the past. Perspective is also important: it adds dimension to our attitudes and often gives us a different point of view.
I’ve learned a little about perspective in the last couple of weeks. Experiencing my world from a wheelchair is the last thing I expected my life would hold at the close of 2013.
Who knew there was a piece of tortilla chip under the chair that Parker couldn’t reach? Or a piece of Styrofoam under the buffet — a leftover from Christmas packaging? And then, how do I get it? The crumbs on the counter-top seem to call me every time I wheel by—along with the spots on the floor. Those things never bothered me before. It helps that my vision is getting worse but you can’t miss is when it is eye-level.
How do I get my coffee cup or open the refrigerator door to get the milk for my latte? How do I get anything out of the garage?
Always independent, it has been humbling to learn how to ask for help. Mark has been wonderful and available when I can’t reach something or maneuver the walker, wheelchair, or scooter. Unlike those who spend their lives in a wheelchair, my confinement is limited. Hopefully, my foot will heal quickly and I will be mobile again soon.
One of my goals in life is not to waste an experience that God gives me. Sometimes, His plans are far different from mine and I may question “why?” Yet, I know that I can trust Him for my best. That is one reason why HOPE has been my word for the year.
In Jesus Lives today, the opening line was, “I give you hope—hope that the best part of your life is not behind you.” I’m counting on that! Any course deviations or detours are just that — detours. But it will not deter me from the path and plans God has in mind for me.
JOY is my word for 2014. God proved His word, HOPE, over and over to me in 2013. I’m looking forward, with great anticipation, for the ways He will bring me JOY.
Happy New Year.