Independence: I’m a bi-ped again. Last Friday Austin was walking me around the block – dutifully standing on my left side, extending his right arm for me to hold on to for balance – when I decided to let go. I had managed to walk a few feet here and there, but I was not supposed to walk alone, so it was only when no one was looking. I’m happy to report that I finished the walk (1/3 of a mile) on my own two feet. Progress! Lest you over-expect, two days ago, when I mentioned to my physical therapist that I was thinking of having someone take me to the beach so I could try running in the sand – where I wouldn’t get hurt if I fell – she said that it had been quite a while since she’s heard such a bad idea.
A Visit by Sean Logan: On Saturday AM Nathan LeMahieu brought Sean Logan by our home so we could visit. As you may know, Sean – who attends the HP campus with his wife (Jeannie) and kids – had a stroke a couple years ago. In fact, his was also precipitated by an arterial dissection as mine was. Sean has walked down the “post-stroke” path for a few years now and had some valuable words of encouragement and insight for me. Being a stroke-survivor is a fraternity you do not want to join, but I’m very glad for those who have paved the way. Sean’s comments were clearly the by-product of much thought and prayer.
Survivor’s Guilt: One of the things Sheri and I have talked about is the unease we feel over how quickly I am recovering. Do not get me wrong. We are very thankful for every step in the right direction – and attribute my progress to good things (great medical care, loving friends, the prayer of God’s people) but it’s hard to be around lots of other people who are not as fortunate. We are enormously blessed and want to find ways to help those whose recovery is not as complete or rapid.
Before I sign out, let me leave you with a great quote from my reading today. I am thrilled to be reading again, and glad to be able to pass along quotes like this. It’s from Tim Keller.
The gospel, if it is really believed, removes neediness – the need to be constantly respected, appreciated, and well regarded; the need to have everything in your life go well; the need to have power over others. All of these great, deep needs continue to control you only because the concept of the glorious God delighting in you with all His being is just that – a concept and nothing more. Our hearts don’t believe it, so they operate in default mode. Paul is saying that if you want to really change, you must let the gospel teach you – that is to train, discipline, coach you – over a period of time. You must let the gospel argue with you. You must let the gospel sink down deeply into your heart, until it changes your motivation and views and attitudes.
Press On,
Mike