Putting myself in another person's shoes and going the distance

I realized yesterday while talking to my best friend that I really don't have it that bad. God has been good to me. He has blessed me with two good feet, two good arms, good eyesight and hearing. All this I had taken for granted until my best friend related her daily struggles with her feet and the fear that one day she may lose that limited ability to walk. I look around me at those who are now struggling to move their arms as both age and arthritis kick in. I try to put myself in their shoes. Sometimes it is hard to understand when I have been so blessed the struggle to work with pain.

I know the one thing I do admire is those who despite the pain and struggle go the distance to help others. That can't be easy. The human condition basically screams for you to take care of yourself and forget the others around you. Even now as I write these words, I have a hard time reconciling my needs with the needs of those I love. I know I must. Only when I take the focus off my situation can I move forward.

I am admittedly frightened sometimes about the deteriorating circumstances that I'm finding myself in. Dark forces want to drag me down and whisper frightening scenarios in my head. They want to pull me back into the deep pit of despair and despondency. It is these dark forces that you must fight with God's strength, not your own.

God is in control. He is blessing you. You may not realize it now, yet when you put yourself in another person's shoes it will open your eyes to the many blessings God has provided you. God will give you the strength to go the distance and will give you the direction you need. I tell myself this daily as I remind myself that one day I will see him face to face.