Thankful

This lovely young woman was one of hundreds of bicycle racers in Texas who took part in the MS150 - yup - 150 MILES of biking over two days. When the race was over I really wanted to thank one of the racers who wore the special shirt saying that that rider not only rides and raises money for Multiple Sclerosis, but also LIVES with MS.

So, while a few thousand people milled about in downtown Fort Worth, I approached this woman who was walking with her young son in the parking lot/gathering area. Of course, being Canadian and all, I started out by apologizing for taking up her time (can't help myself - sorry. Heh.) and then I thanked her for her two day effort for MS, explaining that my partner lives with MS and Diabetes and on behalf of both of us I said "Thank you."

When she responded to me, it was clear immediately that she "weren't from 'round them parts" - she was from England! What are the odds that in a big crowd in downtown Fort Worth, a Canadian and an English woman would meet up and have a lovely conversation about MS?

I just love it when wacky things like that happen. It reminded me of the time early in our marriage when we ran into friends of ours when we were vacationing in Niagra Falls.

I had an unusual day. The weather made for a miserable headache day (this screen is very bright, computer will soon be OFF) but from start to finish, it was one of those days when I'm reminded of what a gift it is to share holy moments with God's people.

Today I was reminded by several different situations that ministry is a great gift. Sometimes you have to take a deep breath and step into it with all your strength; while on other days, the very best aspects of ministry just stop by your office, or invite you into a warm loving home for a lovely visit. Today was the latter, and I'm hitting the sheets feeling very, very, grateful.

On the MS front, someone asked me recently if it would be okay for a friend with MS to call and speak with Pillar. Sometimes it is helpful to speak with someone else who is going through the same experience, and Pillar's uplifting and encouraging attitude is ALWAYS good for whomever has called him in the past. So of course I said sure, just have him a call. You know, he amazes me every day with his strength, his courage and his positive outlook on life. But some days, like today, he makes me so very proud.

I try not to speak for him on this forum. If he wanted a blog he would have it. But I have to say, there are shelves full of books that all say what Pillar says every day...."I have MS. It is what it is. I could be miserable, but I choose to be grateful for all the good things I have in my life. Life is just better when you make a choice to be thankful."

Amen to that.