Keep Smiling

              Summer is here in the Northeast. Not surprisingly, with all of the transitions from school to vacations for the kids, and the shifting responsibilities around the home, I have taken a short hiatus from this blog. However, it has never been far from my mind. In many ways, it has been a special way of my own opportunity realization as I have been capitalizing on the challenges I have been facing in this shifting landscape before me.

This site is more than just an opportunity for me to share a collection of random thoughts with those that choose to read my posts. It is an opportunity for me to help myself and others find new ways to face challenges and with the help of God convert them into new gifts and better approaches to leading our own lives.

The other day I was driving down the road was in one of those moods where I was ranting to the air around me about how the people in my life did not understand how difficult my life was as an amputee. I live in a three-story colonial and I hate how challenging my house is some day. My kids fail to pick up their toys. It can become easy to complain. ( I know their kids, right.) As I was starting this rant to my empty car, my cellphone popped up my daily prayer reminder and a bible verse for meditation. As I was driving, I did not stop to read it but the simple timing was enough for me to realize that God was with me and that I was surrounded by a wonderful family and incredible gifts. It helped me to realize that, while yes there are challenges for a disabled person in my house, there are also many blessings in my life that others with disabilities are lacking. This reminded me to always be open to the word of God.

I have had the opportunity to rent a racing wheelchair and start learning how these amazing contraptions work. I was out doing my workout in this devise the other day. I have to tell you they are much more difficult to use then they look. As I was struggling my way up a very small hill a song called “Keep Smiling” came on over my headphones. It made me laugh as I was just about to start crying. I was working so hard to keep myself from going backward. My arms were in absolute agony. A quick note about these chairs, They have no real breaks and will roll in any direction freely and quite happily. As I listened to this song I was reminded that while I was having to work really hard and I was struggling, I was out doing something fun, special, good for me, and unique. Not many people would ever have the opportunity that I was having at that moment. I had to keep smiling. God was again with me.

It is important that we find these subtle messages and words from our Lord to help us move through the challenges in our life. These will help us to see that they may not be challenges at all but rather fantastic opportunities. So I encourage you as you move through this beautiful summer, keep smiling and seek every opportunity to talk with our Heavenly Father.