
Lying in bed with the usual aches, fever and congestion, I have time on my hands and think about all of those who are bedridden but with something more serious than the flu. What if I had a serious condition that kept me in bed? What if I couldn't go outside and enjoy my farm and our wonderful horses, dogs and other farm critters? It would be a difficult pill to swallow and thinking of it made me realize just how wonderful my life really is.
In the routine of our lives we often forget about that but I think it is very important that we appreciate our good health and thank God every day for it. And while we don't know what tomorrow may bring, we must live life for today for it is, indeed, very fleeting.
Being out of commission temporarily also made me think of those who suffer yet persevere and make such a great contribution to this world. Such a person is Joni Eareckson Tada, a devout Christian who has used her gifts to help so many others find their way in today's troubled world. You see, Joni became a quadriplegic at age seventeen, the result of a diving accident. And after struggling with self pity and the horrors that such an event would create for an active young woman, she ultimately set out on a course led by God. Today she is a wonderful teacher, speaker and Christian motivator for others who have suffered from a fate similar to her own. We have all heard that God works in mysterious ways, and no life is a better indication of this than this fine woman, who has become an inspiration of hope to so many.
And now while I continue to recover from this tiny inconvenience in my life, I will try and use it to help me do more and better things with the life that God has so graciously provided. It is truly a miracle and should be treated as such.
Dear Lord: Thank you for giving me a life of good health and good fortune. And help me to not waste it, but to use it to further your wishes for mankind by spreading your word and wisdom to all that I meet. And when I have my doubts, always send the Spirit into my heart to set me on the straight path for I am truly a lucky man and want to be worthy of your grace. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, who died so that I might have the opportunity to live eternally, Amen.
Be thankful for the gifts that God has given you and use them to help those so in need of God's mercy to find Him as well.