LIFE LESSONS

A few years ago I was confined to the second floor of our townhouse while a new laminate floor was being installed downstairs. It was a cold day and the cold air was seeping up the stairs from the open doors left by the workmen. Many noises: hammers, saws and the sounds of 2 men in a lively conversation of foreign dialect filled the air.


After a morning of study (fighting to stay focused with all the distractions) I turned on the TV – just for a moment I reasoned – and was captured by a movie, “The Loretta Claiborne Story”. The true story of a special girl  who suffered abuse and misunderstanding due to developmental challenges she was born with, until the age of 15, when a county caseworker, having discovered Loretta’s one interest to be “running”, insisted she get involved with Special Olympics.


As I watched the movie I found myself profoundly affected by Loretta’s story. I felt her pain, her anger, her rage and especially when she was running I felt the freedom and joy she was experiencing. I found myself emotionally drained and ashamed at how we, people created by God, can mistreat our fellow man (whether in childhood or adulthood) because they don’t live up to our expectations.


The courage, tenacity and faith of Loretta Claiborne assaults me when I think of the many times I’ve taken my mind, my abilities and/or talents for granted and have not used them to bring honor to my Creator God. May this be a springboard for a season of thankfulness for my life rather than one of complaining when life doesn’t happen just the way I’d expect it to! I’m reminded by Loretta’s story that each of us is “special” no matter our physical abilities or limitations. We have been uniquely created by the one true God. (Psalm 139: 13-16) May I always remember to look upon my fellow humans with the love and respect they deserve as God’s own; the love and respect my heart hungers for, all the while remembering that we each have something special to contribute to this world God has placed us in and He will carry us through as we rely upon Him.


What were the lessons to be learned?

Care about others (Matthew 7:12)

Love people’s uniqueness.
When God gives a gift – USE IT!

When we’re misunderstood and/or mistreated, may we turn to God to teach us how to forgive and trust again.

Let’s not judge another’s worth to us, the world or God by how perfect they speak, how quick their minds are, where they live or how they dress.

And finally,

Sometimes what looks like the “very worst” thing that could happen in a life turns out to be the exact event that opens a new avenue of hope and direction  to fulfill God's plan and purpose.

Lord, thank you for these life lessons; help me to live them out, for Your glory!

Because He lives,

Judy