Inspiration

I watched Michael J Fox's special on the Adventures of an Incurable Optimist recently. This is a little bit on what he had to say that I found inspiring.

"The past 10 years, I found myself struggling with a strange new dynamic. I had to build myself a brand new life when I was already pretty happy with the old one. I had a wonderful life that I loved (career, wife, kids)
If I had to give up any part of this how could I possibly protect myself from losing all of it.The answer had very little to do with protection and everything to do with perspective.The only unavailable choice was whether or not to have Parkinson’s, everything else was up to me.
I could concentrate on the loss, or I could get on with my life and see if maybe those holes started filling in themselves.For everything this disease has taken, something of greater value has been given. Sometimes it is just a marker, pointing me in a new direction down a road I might not have otherwise traveled. So sure it maybe two steps forward and one step back, but after a time with Parkinson’s I have learned that what is important is making that one step count."

Wow!!! I found that to be such a great way to look at the struggles in your life. He wrote a book titled Always Looking Up and for me I feel such a double connotation to that title. I need to remember to keep my "chin up" and remain positive as the slogan goes, when life is hard. I also need to always look "up" to God to comfort and protect me and know that he promises so much for me. For everything that this world, this economy notably, has taken from me, God has given back. He promises to never give me more than I can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13). He promises to comfort me when I am tired and overwhelmed - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) He promises that I am never alone in my struggles - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (Isaiah 41:10) He promises to take care of my needs if I just GIVE them to him - "....Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him. . . ." (Matthew 6:24)

Knowing these promises, how lucky am I really! God is my "all natural", "no preservatives added", "unlimited refills", "all expenses already paid" antidepressant. Does it get any better than that?

I have felt as though I had to go into a 'survival mode' that past 2 years to protect myself from the world as it self destructs around me, and market that impacted our family so heavily. God has taught me so many things through it though that I never want to forget. I teach my kids things that I should work on myself. I am sure at times God says, "Wendi, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit!" I tell my children that and expect them to accept it, but why is it so hard to comprehend and accept at the age of 30!! My life hasn't always taken me down roads I wished to travel and sometimes I do stomp my feet and throw a tantrum about it. But some of the most treacherous roads have build a character in me that I now cherish. In the past two years I have dealt with situations that literally broke my heart and tore me into pieces. God put me back together each heart break I encountered and I am stronger that I could have imagined I would be.

God has shown me the amazing support system he has put in my life to rely on. I have a better network than Verizon could ever boast! And that is no exaggeration. I have some truly beautiful people in my life. I love you all so much.


Another point that I feel God has shown me in recent times was summarized by a young boy, Christopher, in a story talking to his beloved friend, Pooh.

“You are braver than you believe.” “You are stronger than you seem.” “You are smarter than you think.” “Even when we are apart, I will always be with you.”

Thanks God, I needed that : )