There is no better person to show us a different way to live than Joni Eareckson Toda. As you probably know she suffered a terrible accident while swimming. She knew herself, and Doctors told her she was paralyzed for life. She went through three years of depression. One day she prayed this prayer: God, if I can’t die, show me how to live, please. The change didn’t come right away, but she and her family noticed she had a better attitude and spirit. And she felt closer to God.
One day she asked for her paints. Her mother brought them but wondered why she wanted them. You know she was paralyzed in both her arms an legs, but she still had her mouth so she painted beautiful flowers on plain paper, but later she sold many greeting cards using the brush in her mouth. Later on, she added speech to many organizations, especially churches. I heard her speech in a church and was deeply impressed with her sweet way of talking. And she had boxed greeting cards to sell at her meetings. Joni loves Jesus and brought several others to him. Now, she was making a real career for life, but also bringing many to Jesus.
Doesn’t her story make you feel just a tiny bit lazy? It does me. Here I am, both my arms and legs ( although I must say my legs aren’t the best) .My mouth is fine, although I’m afraid I don’t use it the best way I could. Anyhow If we used what we have in a better way than we do, especially in telling others about Jesus, our lives would be happier? If we love Jesus wouldn’t we want that neighbor or friend to love him too? Why do we feel different talking about Jesus than about the movie you watched last night? Isn’t He the most important person in your life? If He isn’t maybe you have to look a little closer at yourself. Just think, if your neighbor decided to follow Jesus, because of you, wouldn’t that make you happy? I am sure Joni is. That could make for you a better life. Here’s praying, that some of you will offer the world another different way to live!
GramMa's Thoughts 