What Does This Make Possible

I’m finding myself in a place I never expected to be. If I allow it to, this change could “ruin” my life. However, I have a choice in this: I can choose to become a victim or I can choose to ask “What does this make possible?” I learned this phrase from listening to a podcast by Michael Hyatt. He also has some of the most amazing blog posts. He’s a devoted Christian who is active in his faith as well as being an inspiring leader and teacher. Here’s a link to a blog post of his called “7 Things to ask when bad things happen.” It’s a great read even if you aren’t going through difficult times.

My favorite question that he asks is “What does this make possible?” A question he uses to positively review things that appear to have “gone wrong.”

I’ve dealt with many things in life as have most people. I have many friends who have had to deal with far worse. One special friend is currently battling pancreatic cancer. Yet she continues in faith that God will provide her healing and, at the very least, a life filled with love for others and the grace of the Holy Spirit to continue to support her as she seeks to follow God’s will. Wow! So, as I find myself “other-abled” these days I’m working on asking every day “What does this make possible?”

One thought is that perhaps I can help champion the cause of those who have challenges with mobility. Being dependent on a walker to get around I’ve learned that there are hardly any public places that are truly handicapped accessible. There are some places where it appears people have earnestly tried to encourage accessibility by the handicapped but I have yet to find a place that actually is easily accessible. Handicapped parking spaces, while available, usually mean a longer walk to get to an entrance. Oh, there’s a ramp by the spot but the walk to get to the entrance is around the bend and possibly at an entrance nowhere near the front door. As someone dependent on a walker and needing the shortest route to get somewhere this is the opposite of what I need. And don’t get me started on doors! I can’t even imagine how trying this is for someone by themselves in a wheelchair. Also, ramps are often far too steep. The pain of trying to push my walker and my girth up a steep ramp makes it almost not worth the effort. Even at my beloved church, the access is far from ideal and I know the members of our church have created these handicapped aids in an earnest effort to make life easier for other-abled people.

These are just the mobility issues. What about how we provide for those at the far end of the spectrum of autism? What about those who are hard of hearing, or sight challenged? What are we doing to love our neighbors?

So perhaps one thing my situation makes possible is to learn to champion the other-abled. I hope I can find a loving but firm voice for change. The law requires only the minimum response to making things accessible. I know it’s expensive, but it’s a wonderful way to truly show our love to others and to provide for the dignity of every human being. For this comes from my baptismal covenant (page 305 in the Book of Common Prayer):

Celebrant	Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?
People	I will, with God’s help.
Celebrant	Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People	I will, with God’s help.

Another thing this journey toward health makes possible is the ability (the necessity) to slow down. I’m spending much more time reading, writing and reflecting. I have been able to focus on others when I have the opportunity to sit and listen to them. Our lives have become so busy that it’s easy to skip these things in the name of hurrying.

As I journey toward a healthier me with the hope of one day walking unaided, I choose to slow down, enjoy the journey and focus on not only serving others in new ways, loving my neighbor as myself, striving for justice and peace while respecting the dignity of every human being but also thanking God in all circumstances. When my focus is on these things I’m not so focused on wanting to stuff my feelings and comfort myself with food that doesn’t benefit my body.

Tweets or posts I’m reveling in:

“When we trust that God has a greater purpose behind the opposition, we can walk confidently through any hard situation in our lives.” (Proverbs31.org)

What I’m listening to:

I’ve become a rather overboard fan of Ed Sheeren. This week I discovered one of his songs and even sent the lyrics to my husband. Here’s a link to the lyrics. The video is also awesome if you are a dance nerd like Rachel and me.

What I’m eating – Sweet Potato Wedges. I’ll be adding the recipe to the recipe page of the blog shortly.

Progress report – nothing gained, nothing lost. That’s actually great considering we celebrated Richard’s birthday not once but twice. There was also a tea for my daughter Rebecca in preparation for her upcoming wedding. The tea, which was at 11 am, was lovely but we all looked at each other afterward and said, “so what’s for lunch?” Way too much food for progress so staying even is a success.

Have a great week friends!