Hope Harbor

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already and Christmas is around the corner. I enjoy Christmas music and decorations. It is often my hope to get my tree up early in the season in order to have time to cherish its beauty. This year I expect getting the tree lit and adorned with ornaments soon may actually happen. It has been retrieved from the garage where it was in storage. Unfortunately, when my rather petite Christmas tree was brought into my house, it looked a bit pathetic. Some of the branches had fallen out, and those that remained were rather scraggly and misshapen. A large portion of the previously lovely lights were tangled and burned out. Apparently the tree was handled roughly and damaged by other items roughly and hastily put in the same space. A friend diligently worked today to repair the mangled tree. I watched this helper straighten the twisted boughs and untangle the strands of lights and discard the broken ones. As I observed her work, I was thinking abou...

Ecclesiastes 11:7 (New American Standard Bible) 7The light is pleasant, and it is good for the eyes to see the sun. Light is important for health happiness and hope. There have been several days recently when the weather has been rainy, dark, and dreary. During this time period of not seeing the sun, I have begun to feel weary. Sunshine provides needed vitamin D and can help people to feel more energetic. Light can also provide warmth and safety. Attempts to navigate in darkness can be dangerous. The Bible addresses the vital element of light in many verses. Knowing God’s light and salvation inspires fearless confidence. (Psalm 27:1) Walking in God’s light provides protection. (Psalm 56:13) Following God’s light grants guidance and direction. (Psalm 78:14) Submitting to God’s light reveals our sin. (Psalm 90:8) God’s light also brings hope. (Psalm 97:11, 112:4) As I am grateful to see the sun, I must be especially thankful for God’s Son. Jesus is the Light of the world. (John 8:12)

The inability to feel can have serious consequences. Yesterday I heard about a young man with a disability who has many severe pressure sores. His damaged spinal cord since birth caused paralysis as well as a lack of sensation below his waist. Since he is unable to sense the discomfort of staying in the same position for long periods of time, this young man was less inclined to make necessary movements to relieve the pressure on his body. Skin breakdown occurs from staying in the same position for too long. Without proper treatment and care such pressure sores may result in significant medical complications. Due to the fact that this young man did not sense pain or take necessary precautions to protect himself, he developed additional problems that required attention. Sensitivity can help alert us to potential danger. We always want to be alert to how God may be guiding us. It is also important to have a heart that is tender toward our Heavenly Father’s correction. A hard heart can cau...

God has always been faithful to meet my needs. He often uses the kindness of others to do so. As a homeowner I am frequently aware of maintenance and repairs that need to be done. I am grateful for those who help me to do those chores. There is also yard work that must be accomplished. Thanks to a young man from church, the grass in my back yard is cut. My front lawn is cared for by a gracious neighbor. Recently I was outside and saw my neighbor as he was arriving home. We exchanged greetings and I expressed my appreciation for his assistance. His response to me was: “No worries”. I understood that my neighbor was communicating that he is happy to be of help, and I do not need to fret about his efforts. Jesus also instructs His followers not to worry. We have a wonderful heavenly Father who cares for us. Anxiety is of no benefit to us. God is trustworthy. Matthew 6:25-34 25"For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will dr...

Psalm 37:31 (New American Standard Bible) The law of his God is in his heart; His steps do not slip. Stability and security are precious and should not be taken for granted. Moving about safely in my cast has been a bit challenge. Transferring in and out of my wheelchair is particularly difficult. The surface under my feet matters. Today in a lapse of good judgment, I attempted a transfer on a tile floor. Despite the fact that my casted foot was covered in what is supposed to be a non-slip sock, I couldn’t get any traction. As I tried repeatedly to get myself back into my wheelchair, my injured leg slid painfully and precariously in the opposite direction of where I needed my body to be. I prayed for help and protection. I am happy to report that after much effort, I did get into my wheelchair unharmed. My experience with the slippery floor reminded me of the importance of a firm foundation. If we do not base our life on what is solid, we will be insecure. When we know the tru...

People we can emulate often are very meaningful and significant in our lives. Positive role models can motivate us to pursue excellence. They nay even instill hope for what is possible. In my career as an advocate and rehabilitation counselor, I had the privilege of working with many young people with disabilities to assist them in setting goals for employment and independent living. Often it is especially difficult for disabled youth to plan for their future because they lack a vision for what's possible. Opportunities to interact with happy successful adults with disabilities could be helpful to intill hope and encourage kids with disabilities to dream. I've wanted to be a teacher since I was a child. I absolutely loved playing school and longed to have a real class of students. As a teenager I was thrilled to volunteer in a classroom of primary aged children who were deaf. My heart soared with enthusiasm and expectation as I planned to attend college as a special education ...

Self-control is often not easy, but it is always worthwhile – beneficial and pleasing to God. I have another Tanner story – a pet parable. My service dog has been a fine example of restraining his impulses recently. When Tanner does his work, I typically reward him with a treat. A few times this week, when he deserved tangible recognition for a job well done, the baggie filled with his cookies as we call them was not within my reach. Since I was not able to get that bag filled with puppy goodies, I asked Tanner to fetch it for me. I was quite impressed that Tanner did what I requested. He dutifully picked up the baggie and, rather than ripping open the plastic and gobbling up every morsel, he carefully brought it to me. I was very proud of him. I praised him lavishly (and even gave to him an extra cookie) so he would know how pleased I was with his behavior. I must confess, I cannot completely comprehend canine cognition, but it did make me smile as I pondered my dog’s willingness to c...

Tanner is a wonderful service dog. He does helpful tasks for me which makes my life easier. He has such a sweet sociable temperament. Tanner brings delight to my heart. Sometimes I find myself wishing there was some way that I could clearly communicate to my beloved canine how much I love him. I am very pleased when he fetches things I drop, turns on a light or closes the door. It’s not just the duties he performs that evoke affection. It’s quite fun to observe how he very enthusiastically plays. Sometimes I smile simply watching him sleep. I am very grateful Tanner is in my life. Frequently, I have a sense of awe that I am privileged to have such a terrific dog. I wish I could let him know how glad I am that he is mine. We can have the longing to convey our love to the valued people in our life too. Sometimes humans struggle to relate to one another in a manner that demonstrates love and acceptance. Difficulty in letting people know they are cared for seems to be a common problem. Mul...

1 Peter 5:7 (Amplified Bible) Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully. It is such a comfort to know, to really know that God cares, really cares. Since I broke my leg (actually my foot), the cast has made things more challenging. It has been more difficult to do daily activities. Well, to be honest I could say that my transfers in and out of my wheelchair are somewhat painful and precarious. It seems almost comical to me but my ER discharge instructions actually included the statement: "Avoid further injury"! Hmmm.... I must admit some of my activities have been a bit dangerous. Yesterday I was having some worries about being on my own to perform necessary tasks. God interrupted my anxious thoughts reminding me of the promise that I can cast all of my concerns on Him because He cares. It brings such a lovely peace to realize that ou...