That All May Worship

“God frequently works through the unexpected. We need to listen, persevere in spite of inconvenience and remain open to creative solutions and opportunities. Accidents, diseases and birth conditions occur that demand dramatic and taxing changes. Families experience intense disappointment, loss, financial burdens and anger. Fortunately, for some families, the resulting responsibilities bring out new talent, compassion and vision. Never forget—a disabling condition may be one unsteady stepladder, one overheated stove, one high fever or one stroke away. If we don’t have limiting conditions now, we surely may before we die.” That All May Worship-Nat’l Org on Disability.

I read the above excerpt and noticed that all of the challenges of having a family member with a disability were listed, but the joys were omitted, as though life with disability is bereft of happiness and rewards; that there isn’t much reason to laugh. And while I understand the sentiment, and may even agree with it some times, I will go just a step further to talk about the positive aspects of having a loved one with a disability.

Families tend to pull together and become a unit, everyone needs to pitch in and closeness with each other is often times a result. Small victories are celebrated, and nothing is taken for granted. Buttering a slice of bread successfully becomes a reason for a trip to the park, or at minimum, hugs and laughter, no matter what the age of the slatherer. We know our family member’s doctors and teachers well and do not hesitate to contact them at home—we know they care.

The new people we meet through our family member’s disability makes us realize just how inter-dependent we really are in this world and that we are created to embrace each other’s spirits—we learn to enjoy and value those relationships. We slow down, we reprioritize. As we do, our faith grows ever deeper.

Let us resolve to look more closely, care more deeply and love more fully than ever before. Be a blessing to someone.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” Psalm 118:24 (NIV).

Have a great weekend and we'll see you soon!
Much love and joy,
Karen