At the medical facility that I go to, there is a fancy and very expensive treadmill. I think this because we received a bill in the mail for one short, half-hour session: $179! Nevertheless, I actually enjoyed it and found it helpful at that time. It had heavy duty straps to catch me in case I fell. It had many different speeds and alternating programs. I had a therapist watching me, helping me adjust, and walk more correctly. But I only got to use it a couple of times. However, praise God, I found something that I like just as much, or even better. Shopping carts!

They are perfect! If I get a good one, they’re smooth, they can carry my children, and I can use them for support … and shopping! Meanwhile, I can work on trying to make my left foot walk like my right. Before, I used to flop my left foot out much like one of those horses trained to “do math”. You know, “Mr. Ed, how much is 2+2?” And then the trained horse stomps his front foot four times.

So now, I’m pushing a shopping cart around the store thinking, “Heel-toe, heel-toe,” mentally reminding myself to pick up my left foot so as not to drag my toes when it goes forward. At the same time, I’m trying to put my foot down gracefully, so as not to fling my foot out and flop it down much like dear Mr. Ed. Imagine, a shopping cart! Why didn’t I think of it before?

It’s amazing what one can make do with, especially with a little resourcefulness and creativity. I actually prefer the shopping cart over the big, expensive machine. It reminds me of what the Apostle Paul said, “I have learned the secret of being content in all circumstances.”

Let me quote the passage:

…I have learned to be content with whatever I have. I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being well-fed and of going hungry, of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:11-13 (NRSV)

Notice that contentment does not come naturally. It has to be learned. After going through extremes in life and ministry, Paul eventually learned the secret of contentment. What is the key? The revelation that, “Godliness with contentment is great gain.”(1 Timothy 6:6) So these two passages show us that contentment is not found in neither circumstance nor monetary wealth.

We, in America, spend a lot of energy wishing, “if only.” “If only I was thinner, if only I was richer, if only I had another week paid vacation… if only.” I would finally be happy and content if only…

Right now, I’m faced with a whole lot of things that are impossibly difficult for me to do; things that three months ago, I could do without a second thought. The big question is, can I be content even with my limitations? The ironic thing is that each of us, rich or poor, single or married, young or old, able-bodied or a stroke victim, must ask ourselves the same question: With my current abilities, resources, AND limitations, am I content? In other words, “Is the fact that God is aware of my circumstances enough for me to quit with the ‘if-only’s and just trust him here in this moment?”

This of course, does not mean we do not strive for excellence or to improve ourselves, (I would be a fool to resign myself to passivity). But just for me to be aware that He is aware should be enough for me to accept my current circumstances and be content today. God, my all-wise, all-knowing, and all-loving Shepherd knows what I need, knows what I want, and has chosen to provide me with everything I have at this moment. ”He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters” – Psalm 23:2.

Contentment, true contentment, can be ours! It’s a matter of trust. But surely, there are needs that we have. How then, do legitimate needs and contentment coexist? I believe the book of Philippians gives us the answer.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God (contentment), which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

Appreciate you all.

Tim

P.S., Please pray for me. I have been experiencing increasing shoulder and arm pain that keeps me from rest and rehab.