As my MS progresses I find it more difficult each day to drive my wheelchair. My trunk strength has diminished to the point that riding in the van poses a safety issue. Finally, by the time my caregiver gets me ready each day, my energy level is such that leaving home is simply not appealing. Thus, our excursions are now limited to doctors appointments, essential trips and special occasions. Such is the life of a shut-in.
A few years ago I attended a class called Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, a course based on the best-selling book of the same name by Stephen R Covey. This class literally changed my life. The first of these habits is “Be Proactive,” Pro=positive active=action. God has given us free will which means we always have the choice on how to respond to anything that happens. Sometimes negative things happen. Choosing positive action usually leads to something good whenever I am faced with a new challenge.
Life After Religion
I have had to adjust to a life that no longer includes going to church. This means letting go of the rituals and routine of organized religion. Not an easy task. Saying goodbye to such an important part of my life was hard. A few years ago my dear friend and spiritual mentor Sue Gibson gave me a book, An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor. This book taught me that “church” can be anywhere. It doesn’t have to be a brick and mortar building.
Since we no longer go to church, Linda and I have developed a new Sunday morning routine. We watch CBS Sunday Morning and a show called Super Soul Sunday on the Oprah Winfrey Network. We have seen many inspiring episodes and it has given us an opportunity to discuss our faith with each other. Here is a sample of something we saw on one episode. Enjoy.
Brad, Your post and your attitude continue to be such an inspiration to me. Life throws us all some hard curve balls but yours ….you have been gifted with faith and the courage to trust in what the Lord is doing even though it is a hard road for you. Your post has a message that Bill lived by. When we had his life celebration my daughter retrieved an old e-mail that he sent her and we published it for people who came. I would like to share it with you. You will appreciate it I believe:
“Concentrate on the positives in your life.
Listen to music, go to movies,
Have a glass of wine in the evening and just
Take a deep breath
And be happy to be alive
In this wide and wonderful world…
Forget the past and forget the future.
Just enjoy the moment.
Take in the world around you.
Look at all the beautiful people
And how colorfully they dress.
Pick up and read a poem! Feel the
Refreshing breeze on your cheeks.
Give yourself to the natural world.
Maybe go to the park on a day off.
Go out to dinner once a week
And take your time
Savoring the food and atmosphere.
Just live one day at a time
And be appreciative
For the Grace God gives you to savor it!
Bill Noonan
Charlotte,
What a beautiful poem. Janet send me a copy of the program from Bill’s service so I have been blessed by this before. Thanks for sharing it with my followers.
Brad
This is a beautiful post. Thank you for sharing your journey and for encourages others along the way through your positive attitude.
What a beautiful, inspirational post! It makes me see God working in your life. You truly inspire me!
Beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Brad.
Thank you for sharing. You are an encouragement to me as I struggle with grief.
Yes, thank you for sharing! Your courage, faith and attitude (and Linda’s) is an inspiration. Above all your gift for sharing words that encourage us is amazing! I have also benefited from the Seven Habits concept and was surprised several years ago when I found that my then 2nd grade grandson was using them in school. Good life skills in their structure.
Exclamation- Thank You Brad for helping to open my eyes, again, to my many blessings!
So much power in Gratitude! — Known to me as Gladitude! What a great Teacher you are! Sylvia and I enjoy the plant you gave her. We of course named it the Brad Plant !!! Thank You!
Amazing as always, Brad. I can not even imagine dealing with the everyday challenges that you face. You are truly blessed that you have such strong faith and a wonderful supportive family.
CBS Sunday Morning has been in my routine for about 50 years, a great choice. Also, I love watching church on line, as it allows me to repeat what I need to hear again.
Blessings my friend,
Ali
Touching, humbling, convicting, inspirational. AMEN! — (Translates to: “May it ever be so!”)
Thanks for your beautiful message on being grateful for new routines. I just took the time to read and listen to the video this morning. I was reflecting on Mother’s Day yesterday and the inspiration that my Mother was to me as you also are to me Brad.
John McLeod who changed the batteries on my mother’s respirator when she was in the hospital for Polio gave this Creed to her August 23, 1953. For more than 54 years of my Mother Virginia’s life Post-Polio, she carried this Creed in her billfold and lived it. May this also bring inspiration to you also.
Creed
When you wake of a morning you wash your body, you eat breakfast to give you strength for the day; therefore, give your soul its breakfast, and say this creed as the day begins:
“I want this day to be a happy and successful one. I know that happiness depends on me-my will, my attitude of mind, and not on events. I will adjust myself to whatever happens. If a thing can be helped, I will try to help it; if not, I will make the best of it. I will let my enforced intimacies be a pleasant as possible. I will get along without bickering or strained relations with family or friends or working associates. I will be more honest, prompt and square than business or labor requires; I will be more loyal than friendship requires, more kind than charity requires, and more thoughtful than love requires. I will do someone a good turn that is not expected of me, and neither will I speak derogatory words. I will get all the pleasure possible out of eating, drinking, amusements, and people I meet. Then, I will go to my resting bed at night glad and satisfied and be able to say that I have found life good.”
Brad , I am admittedly new to your blog, thank you Janet, but not new to your loving and positive spirit. I needed your message today, funny how that works sometime if we are open to receiving. So thank you, for the gifts you are so willing to share. I sincerely hope and pray I am able to “play it forward”. Hugs, Sue
Good stuff, Brad. Thank you so much. You’re the best!