Prescription for a Torn Meniscus

 

The timing of this newsletter is befitting, as I am currently in the doctor’s office being treated for a partially torn meniscus.  I managed to do this as I was traveling back from the Dan Miller Christmas Open House in Franklin, Tennessee.  Yes, it’s a bummer!  Not the Christmas Open House – that was great.  But THIS…this is definitely not the highlight of the trip.  So I am thinking I would like to just have a good whine and cheese party.  But I won’t. 

It certainly does make me appreciate the good health and relatively pain-free existence I normally enjoy.  It makes me realize the significance of our bodies that carry us around through life – and to marvel at the amazing way all the parts work together to give us life and mobility (except maybe when we have a torn meniscus).

I don’t know about you, but people who persevere through hardship and health issues inspire me immensely.  I’m reminded of my sister-in-law who passed away last year of cancer.  Her life inspired me.  Her life during her illness inspired me even more. 

I know someone who recently attended a Glen Campbell concert.  For those of you who don’t know, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few months ago.  He had to decide how to spend his remaining days under these new circumstances.  So what did he do?  He publicly and honestly acknowledged the diagnosis, and then he went back on tour.  He’s currently traveling with three of his children in the band.  It is heartwarming to see how they are watching out for and supporting their dad.  And it’s truly inspiring to see him continuing to bless folks with his amazing talent.  Oh, and on those few occasions where he forgets a line or misses a cue, he will acknowledge it, find the humor in it, and keep on going.  It only endears him more to his audience.  What a lesson for all of us!  And if I ever get Alzheimer’s, I hope I can play music half as well as he does.

I think of Joni Eareckson Tada.  A tragic diving accident in 1967 rendered her a quadriplegic.  If anyone had a reason to give up, it was Joni.  She was just 17 years old, one day active and enjoying life with her friends; and the next, paralyzed from the neck down – bound to a wheelchair for the rest of her life.  It seemed her life was over; but in reality, it had only just begun.  She learned to paint beautiful pictures with the brush held between her teeth.  She started a ministry to help others with their disabilities.  And now she travels the world as a well-known author and speaker.  Her story is epic.  She has done more in her “disability” than most of us would ever do in our “ability”.

Many of us remember the 1996 Olympics vividly.  We were on the edge of our seats as Kerri Strug, the American gymnast, approached the vault on her previously injured ankle.  Kerri completed an amazing performance.  She nailed the landing with absolute determination. And then the crowd gasped as she collapsed in pain.  Her performance sealed a gold medal for the US gymnastics team that year.  I don’t think anyone could watch that without getting a tear in the eye and a lump in the throat.  It wasn’t just about the gold medal.  It was about overcoming incredible odds.

We tend to think of leaders as gallant, robust, and healthy.  Many are, and that is great.  We should strive to take care of our bodies as best we can.   But when the time comes that our health fails us, we can still lead.  In fact, that may be the time of our greatest impact.

So if you are not in the best of health, take heart.  You may just be hitting the pinnacle of your influence.  Bless others with the gifts you have, however diminished they may seem. 

Lead in Your Ability AND in Your Disability

 

Oh and one more thing.... I have Christmas Gift to share with the My Wired Style community go our online community page by clicking here and register (It's free) and you can even invite other friends to join who you think want to discover their strengths and gifts or that of their family.

Here's the thing, you need to register before 12/24 so I can surprise you with a Christmas Gift this year!

Register before 12/24 and keep your basket open!