Yet Another Pause: My Training School

Photo by Katie LeBlanc

The other day, I was talking with a new friend, who also has CP. I said that she her level of involvement reminded me of another kid I used to know. "And like me," I wrote, "he had an aversion to stretching!" She did too. I went on to say that the "normal" people always tell me they should exercise, but that most of the time, they don't--and I just don't see why I should have to. Again, she concurred.

The conversation continued, and later I went to Bible study. In my lesson, there was this quotation:

"The first pupils of Jesus were chosen from the ranks of the common people. They were humble, unlettered men, these fishers of Galilee; men unschooled in the learning and customs of the rabbis, but trained by the stern discipline of toil and hardship." Ellen White, Education,  p. 85.

The phrase, "stern discipline of toil and hardship" stood out to me. For a few minutes, I sat thinking about it, envying the disciples for the training they had received. It must have brought them many blessings, that helped them in developing strong characters. Where could I find such a training? I don't come from a posh background, but neither have I had the ability or opportunity to labor for my necessities due to my condition. How then, could I ever hope to learn the same lessons?

That's when it hit me once more, but with greater force than before: I had my own toil and hardship! What was it? Bettering my physical condition! I know it may be beyond the reach of an able-bodied person's full comprehension or appreciation, especially if they've always enjoyed good health; but it is no small feat. It has been about as difficult for me to dredge up the will to do something about it as it has for a normal person to do something about their problem.

That is, until I read that statement. It seemed clear to me then that God gave me these difficulties to teach me stern discipline and hardship. It seemed to me that this was my lot, my task, my training school, tailored to me. It had a vitalizing effect on me, and since then, I have been seeking to do something every day--mostly leg lifts and hand exercises, with some standing. It's not much, but it's a start, and it's actually enjoyable. I never thought I would say that. (If I have before, I don't remember).

What's your training school?

Blessings,
Jean