Life Through the Lens: A stick and the right attitude can go a long way
Kevin Schrapel recalls a blind friend's visit to his family farm.
This post is the author’s personal opinion.
As a member of Rural Youth, many years ago, we had a fellow member stay on our farm for a weekend.
He was completely blind, did not have a guide dog and relied on his cane and his trust in people to guide him.
When I asked how to help him best, his reply was, “let me hold your arm and slowly walk me at my pace around your house, garden and farmyard while describing where we are”.
We went on the tour, and at the end, he said, “Thanks, I think I’ll be okay now”.
For the remainder of that weekend, he would announce, “I’m going for a walk”, wander off alone, and I never saw him stumble or appear disoriented.
That weekend was a lesson in trust and how it, coupled with the ability to use learned awareness skills, leads to the freedom to wander a new environment.
Every day we head into life not knowing what will happen, often pushing aside the help offered by someone who knows what is ahead through every moment of the day.
He not only knows what is ahead, but he promises to love you throughout every day, 24-seven, 365 to forever.
My blind friend trusted; he listened to my descriptions and warnings as we walked and learned where the obstacles were.
Jesus said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
Are you prepared to consider the Jesus of the Bible as a friend who cares, loves and only wants what is good for you, desires that you have a life filled with joy?
Are you prepared to be humble and admit you need him to show you where the stumbling blocks may be in your life and help you find ways around them?
When you do stumble, are you willing to accept the help – called “forgiveness” – he offers?
Most importantly, will you listen when he says, “I love you with a love that took me to a death on a cross”?
Tell him your answer.
He’s listening.
You can help keep local columns like this one free for everyone to read. Subscribe to Murray Bridge News today and support your independent, locally owned news service, plus get access to exclusive stories you won’t find anywhere else, from just $5 a month.
