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Sufficient Grace

    by Shelly Weiss

Brighten Your Day
Date Posted: January 31, 2008

I love how God has everything woven together so the pieces fit not only in my world, but the entire universe. For the past 3 months, my cottage has been gradually dimming as one light bulb went out, then another, then the third went out Monday. The bulbs were all in tight fixtures, making it hard for me to change with my proprioception and fine motor issues. After feeling like I lived in Laura Ingalls’ era, I finally changed one of them. It took me an hour and sunset was looming, but I did it. I kept repeating, “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me… even change a light bulb!” and I did it!

The other two were much more challenging. I had two options: continue to read in the dim lamp light or get out of my comfort-“my space” to ask a friend to help. **Let me explain- I live in an upper middle class neighborhood… very safe. My landlord is a saint, my neighbors greet me every morning, it is wonderful. The rent is affordable, and I am exactly 5 miles from church and my office. Perfect location. The downfall is I have no space. Truly, my entire cottage is the area of some living rooms, and between my books, journals, and clothes, it is impossible to comfortably ‘stretch out’, much less organize. Therefore, I don’t invite people over. But when the lights are dimming… I caved (no pun) and emailed Amanda to see if she’d change the bulbs this weekend. Amanda is incredibly busy (she’s my ‘celebrity’ friend) and I just felt weird asking AMANDA to do maintenance work. Yet even though she is a celebrity, she is also one of my closest friends. As she doesn’t see my cerebral palsy, I forget who she is until we go out in public and everyone is star-struck by her.

Anyway, long story short, Amanda didn’t want me to have to wait until Saturday… she came over a few hours after I asked. (Get ready for the intended puns…). Not only did seeing her brighten my day, it was a ‘light bulb’ experience how one small act of kindness can illuminate the heart. Seeing Amanda in her work clothes (i.e. perfectly pressed, manicured, every hair in place) standing on my cat scratching ‘thing’ to change my bulb reminded me of what Jesus did… he became a servant for me! The Son of God washed others feet… he did the things that were beneath Him to glorify the Father above him! That amazes me in so many ways…

This morning, as I turned the light on to get my coffee, I thought of Amanda… and the other wonderful people God has placed in my life to help me open the walls of my heart and let some light in. I am so thankful that my hands can’t do the things they use to, that I no longer have the stamina I once did… Yes, I am so very blessed by my afflictions- for through my weakness, I see His strength.

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” – John 8:12

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Biography Information:
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.
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