This morning I wake up knowing that I have an amazing bride by my side. I wake up knowing I have three incredible children. I wake up knowing I have lived a blessed life. I wake up knowing that I get to work every day with veterans through Charlie 22 Outdoors. Awesome stuff! But there is a twist. I also wake up knowing that it was on this day in 1990, that my life would change forever. I have not taken a step since that day. I have not moved my figures since that day. I have not woken up and realized that it was all a dream. Because it wasn’t a dream. It was reality. November 28, 1990, was the day that I was paralyzed from my chest down. Although being paralyzed is my reality, I choose to set my mind on being blessed by Jesus. I am blessed to have lived the life and I have lived. I am blessed by being able to set my mind on these things. What an amazing gift God has given us to be able to do so.
In the Bible, Paul tells us that we either set our minds on our flesh, or we set our minds on the Holy Spirit. And then we live our lives according to where we set our minds. The choice is clear. And it is our choice. We either live for ourselves or we live for God. I suggest, that we choose wisely. Being human means we live in a world that has pain and suffering. There is no escaping that. But if we can fix our minds on Jesus, we will live a life of peace. We will strive to see God and be who he wants us to be. I am fully aware that our days are full of distractions to keep us from doing this. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to keep our focus on him. To keep our minds on him.
As we go about our days, let’s strive to focus on Jesus. When the struggles come, and they are going to come, try to redirect your thoughts on Jesus. Let him guide you in your reactions. I know you have heard the saying, “What would Jesus do?” Let’s not just think of this passively. Let’s truly think about this. Let the peace and calm that he gives…fill our hearts. At the same time, let’s let the joy and happiness fill our hearts during those times to celebrate. So let’s fix our minds on the spirit. Not on our flesh. Let’s pray to grow daily to be more like God. Allowing God to guide us. Because he loves us. Always has. Always will. I love all of you. And, I pray you have a blessed holiday season.
