Lifestyle changes...
Over the last three years since I've gone from being more physically active than most people ever are in today's world of wheels and speed, to being totally immobile both indoor and out, at times I've considered asking for counselling. And at some point may ask to see an Ocupational Therapist, as its not something you just naturally adjust to. The change of lifestyle doesn't just happen. Two and a half years ago, two miles minimum every day I walked my dog. Yet becoming physically disabled is a new life not just lifestyle. I remember around 3 years or so ago, I had never shopped at e-bay. Was too scardy cat at being ripped off. As you heard or read some bad things of it in the press. But an online friend, kinda got me interested, and now almost everything I buy I look at ebay first for a good deal. When I first started shopping at e-bay I looked for rare books, discounted software, computer peripheals, and the like. Now I look at mobility aids. The need is there, and one accepts it, yet inside you are exactly the same person you've always been. The same zest for life, in many ways, in your dreams you still walk or run, ride a bicycle, and the like. And it seems to take the inside of you longer to catch up with the outside. A bit like when a loved one dies, you dream of them, and on waking you are sure they are still here, I guess its an inward desire in part too. So now I look at mobility aids on e-bay. And for reasons of length I won't go into here, I needed a second wheelchair. As I don't plan to stay housebound if I have any say in it. And sunrise medical are well known for the quality of their chairs. there best known being the Quickie. So, a used one for a second one, seemed a good idea. And the anti-tip should prevent me doing sommersaults backwards as I did once last year outside my church, and badly aggravated my back. And of course, if my one wheelchair goes for a burton, (breaks) that leaves me pretty much bedbound unless I have a spare. So, I have a few things to sell on e-bay myself which should recompense for buying this. But the times sure are a changing when you go from buying items of frivolity (software or puter parts) to stuff like this in such a short time. But I think the feeling that the inside is taking longer to catch up with the outside is also an example of the spirits willing but the flesh is weak. And think many old people who have always been young at heart, must feel pretty similar. When there body fails them, yet in their eyes you can still see the vitality and zest for life, that was always with them.
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Its also struck me over the last 3 years, how much I assumed good physical health would be mine for the duration. I would abuse my body in many ways, (as we all do) and be sure that nothing could touch me in that way. And whether its health, or any of the other "goods" in this life, often thru assuming they are ours for the duration, we are ungrateful in what we have when we have it. Yet by providence, anything can change in an instant.
1 Tim 617As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. |
