Encourage Me: Handicap Parking

A forty-ish family person (male or female) could be involved with what’s commonly known as a “mid-life crisis.” The individual who is involved in this challenge may find themselves in an emotional crisis of identity in whom they really are (or want to be). In an attempt to feel younger (or better), a person could purchase new clothes; their appearance may be altered; expensive (and once illusive) “toys” are acquired; and a different family could even be a possibility.

I’ve always seen the above like this. It’s possible to renovate a dilapidated house with the best materials possible. At the end of the day, underneath all the new building supplies is an old house. Whether it’s vain (or not), I feel more energized with the “man in the mirror” when my face is cleanly shaved (for places like work or church); my hair is a darker (than my natural gray), and my knee isn’t misbehaving.

So far my left knee has been exposed to many jolting falls over my life. (In my fifties, I am now dealing with the arthritic consequences of those actions. Thankfully, my right knee is unharmed, and working great.) Pain (in some intensity) is my constant companion from waking up, throughout my day, to bedtime (Job 33:19). It’s maddening (and irritating) at times.

My temporary discomfort relievers include a semi-annual shot (Synvisc), pain relievers in pill form (Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen), roll-on pain reliever (Icy Hot), and a natural oil spray (Euca-Leaf), a top-quality knee brace (from DJO Global), a liquid ice pack, and a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator) unit. If it sounds like a lot, it is. Hopefully, I can delay what I feel is the inevitable (knee surgery) for several more years.

As many of you would agree, it would be nice for Jesus to heal us all of whatever each one of us may be suffering from. Don’t you agree He could miraculously do that if He wished to (Luke 5:31)?

The scriptures give us no idea of what the Apostle Paul constantly struggled with in his daily existence. Was it a person, a physical limitation, or a mental health issue (like depression)? Our best idea is just a guess (at this venture).

2 Corinthians 12:7 (MSG) informs us, “So I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap to keep me in constant touch with my limitations, [and to] push me to my knees [in prayer].”

I may be the only way the Almighty can grow the fruit of the spirit (described in Galatians 5:22) in your life through the above reminder. Wouldn’t you like to have the qualities of worship, happiness, calmness, forgiveness, compassion, integrity, faithfulness, tenderness, and discipline parked in your life daily for good?

Will you remain faithful to the Heavenly Father even when He has a plan for your life that differs from yours? Think about your answer wisely because it can make all the difference (with your life plans).