Update & Thought:
It feels like summer is flying by to me—August already. I’m starting my ninth month post-op. My walking ability in various terrain is improving. My energy level is up. My health continues to improve (weight and
blood pressure down, off of insulin, stamina up, etc.). I still have a long ways to get where I want
to be; but I am slowing making my way there.
The biggest setback that I’ve faced so far was the difficulty I had
earlier this summer with my prosthesis not fitting well due to weight loss. Right now it’s me waiting for the blister on
my leg to heal so I can don my prosthesis again. While I am waiting it has put
all walking on hold. Sometimes I have to
remind myself that life is good! No
matter what minor irritations I face, compared to nearly losing my life last
Thanksgiving—I’ve got it good! I’m a
blessed man enjoying some extra innings in the game of life. That understanding makes a huge difference to
how I view my circumstances. They are
minor irritations, not major obstacles.
Despite a few restrictions I am still able to enjoy many of the
activities that made my life rich and meaningful prior to my amputation. For instance, yesterday afternoon I was one
of the facilitators for a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) for a law
enforcement department after they faced a very difficult event. I went from there to the Altoona Fire
Department to assist the firefighters hosting the “Girls on Fire” camp for
girls ages 14-17 to learn more about a career as a firefighter/EMS. Last night we taught the girls how to put on
the firefighter equipment including the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
(SCBA). Afterwards, I had a chance to
talk to a number of the firefighters who helped out and then spent time with several
police officers at the station before I headed home.
So what do you have to be thankful for? What things are looming large in your life
that need to be reframed to put them in proper perspective? What things are you making progress in
overcoming?
We all face limitations and restrictions—some of which we can work at
changing and some of which we just have to learn to live with. Figuring out which is which can be the
difficult part. Then having the patience
and courage to work towards overcoming the ones we can is the next thing we
must do. Some things you just have to
have the patient endurance to wait until they happen (seven month pregnant
waiting for the baby or 15½ longing for your driver’s license) and other things
you have to apply yourself daily towards achieving (earning a degree or
learning a new skill).
Most things don’t happen overnight.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if they did?
Go to bed deciding that you wanted to lose 30 pounds and wake up in the
morning weighing 31.5 pounds less! Now
that is what I call a good night’s sleep!
What a fairy tale! It takes a
daily, long-term commitment to lose that weight or to accomplish almost any
other goal that you have set for yourself.
My challenge to you today is to not waste the life God has given to
you. Put it to good use. Make some goals to increase your value and
satisfaction in life. Work at becoming
the best “you” that you can possibly become.
Remember that relationships are more important than personal
achievements and that personal character development is of primary
importance. Do something you’ve always
wanted to do. Stretch yourself and
grow. Build into other’s lives as well
as your own. Draw closer to God and
develop your spiritual connection with Him.
God has given you the next 24 hours.
How are you going to put them to use?
Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in
word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.”
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