Sometimes my brain just chooses to stop working—or is overloaded with a variety of concerns that thwarts my creativity and intelligent focus. This is commonly called a writer’s block. It happened again today. I found myself working simultaneously on a newsletter article, a sermon, and answering an important Email. After I had gotten frustrated enough with my lack of progress I did something I have been doing more of lately. I jumped in my truck and drove around. There is something about driving a pickup truck out in the country that does something for my manhood. Anyway I ended up heading North on Milton Grove Road out into some open countryside. I don’t fully know why driving helps thaw my brain, but much of the time it works for me. And eventually I found myself driving along the bike trails that go through Mount Gretna.
As I reduced my speed I saw a man walking two very large dogs through the park. And one of them had what looked like bicycle training wheels attached to his hind legs. It appeared that his legs were paralyzed or broken. I was both fascinated and inspired as I watched him running ahead of his owner and the other dog. It reminded me of the recent trip to the bookstore where I picked up a book filled with human inspiration stories with pictures. There was the pictorial story of the women who has no arms but has obtained a license of fly airplanes. Her capacity to adapt is amazing. I found out she can fly, she can paint, and even put on her makeup using her toes and feet. And there were other stories just as impressive.
I must say that I am taken by the thought that if we were a bit smarter, more resourceful, and more courageous, that probably what we have may be truly all we need. I think of our national and local leaders—I even think of leadership in our churches—and wonder. If ordinary human beings can create ways for paralyzed dogs to ambulate, and if a young women with no arms can learn to fly a plane with her feet, than surely leaders (political and otherwise) can be courageous, creative or collaborative enough to lead toward a brighter vision. A vision which encompasses greater possibilities, greater purposes, and outcomes.
I think of Jesus selection of ordinary men to become His disciples and how God chose the weak of this world to shame the strong. How God used the ordinary to achieve the extraordinary. And I think about my own life and the lives of those I cherish. And I somehow think if our eyes are open to the marvels of human potentiality, achievement, and adaptability. And if our eyes are open to the adaptive and determined spirit a common dog with training wheels—then maybe, just maybe we would be more brave and courageous in the living of our daily lives. And maybe, just maybe, our inspiration and determination would bring a flicker of light into the darkened heart of a fellow struggler who stands in need of hope or encouragement. He Told Me to Tell You! At least I think He did!