Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.
Galatians 6:4-6
Yesterday, I was at an all day conference filled with both my current and former coworkers. As we broke for lunch (we had a free lunch caterer), I announced that I needed to go sit in my car for awhile. My former coworkers acted like this was the most normal thing in the world, while the current argued with me, telling me I didn’t need ‘quiet time’. At the end, my former coworkers agreed to accompany me to a nearby restaurant to get away from the noise.
I know I am quirky, high maintenance, and difficult. That is why I know it is God who gives me all of the friends I have because it sure isn’t my warm personality! I struggle with telling people when I need something yet am much better since my friend, Bryn assertively told me coming back from a girly road trip, “Shelly, you need to TELL us when you need something. We want to help you but we need to know what you need!” That opened my eyes to what others must go through with me.
I have a friend who is blind and I would be hurt if she didn’t tell me what she needed. Another friend hates to drive on the highway (this friend is NOT blind by the way) so I don’t mind driving when we go to the beach. Communication is paramount.
After awhile, the needs of others become second nature when brought to our attention. Instead of trying to change the person to be who we want them to be, we just take them as they are. Perfect example; I get up at 4 am to have time with Jesus. For the longest time, my cat Zoey would pester me for attention, which would make me irritable if I was meditating. Now (this just happened), she goes to the other room for 30 minutes or so, comes out and stares at me for a minute or so, and if she sees me focusing, she returns to the other room. If I engage her, she happily comes to me for some love. She has great social skills.
Jesus treated people according to where they were and what they needed. Some he healed by a touch, others with placing mud on their eyes, and others he did not heal at all. We were all created differently, so it creates an injustice to compare ourselves with others. Instead, we should compare ourselves to Him and listen to the Spirit (our conscience) speaking to us.
Shelly is a 30 something year old licensed therapist with cerebral palsy who is transitioning onto a whole new path in her life. As someone who was never limited by her disability, through recent declines in her health and abilities, God is humbling her despite her stubborn resistance. She is closer to Jesus than she ever has been as He carries her with His strength, protects her with His armor, and empowers her with His Spirit.She uses her writing and speaking gifts to fulfill her ultimate purpose of bringing glory to God through her life.