A Few Things I’ve Learned

Sitting here thinking back over this year and all the things I learned. God’s been faithful through it all and I just can’t help but be overwhelmed by how richly he’s blessed me

A lot happened, too, this year. Lots of changes. Riley went off to college. Amy got married. I turned 20.

I’m grateful to God for this past year. He’s convicted me about a lot of different things. I’ve prayed more, relied on Him more, and learned how hopeless I really am in my own strength.

So here’s another list. Just a few of the things I’ve learned (or relearned) in 2009.

1. Unselfishness.

There are no excuses for not obeying God and serving Him. No matter what state we find ourselves in He’s still given us all we need to live a life of godliness. We’re never exempted. When we look at other people’s problems the godly choice or action always seems obvious to us. But we think of ourselves – or at least I do – Well I have a legitimate excuse for not doing what I should. For me, “I’m blind. Nobody can expect me to, say, reach out to someone in need. I mean, shouldn’t people be reaching out to me?” But that’s a sinful and selfish thought. God commands us to: Philippians 2:3-7 Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. That’s essentially the Golden Rule. So that means showing godly friendliness to someone at church even though I feel awkward or I’d rather not leave the safety and security of my seat. Hard but right. I’ve been working at this all year.

2. Edifying speech.

I’ve been convicted to try to have intentional conversations that build other people up. We so often just talk to say something – at least I find myself doing that all the time. Most especially because I don’t want people to feel uncomfortable around me so I try to say something – anything – just to put them at ease. But I really need to watch out against foolish words and worthless conversations. Life’s too short for that.
Besides, God’s been pretty clear with us about what he expects in that area: Ephesians 4: 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

3. Gratitude and Meekness

By this I don’t really mean ordinary thankfulness for all the things God’s blessed me with. I need that, too, but I was convicted about something even more specific. Other people may not struggle with this as much. Maybe I should call it (the fault) resistance to pity or aversion to help. Pride? Maybe? I guess pride underlies most sin. And I think the character flaw that fault reveals is a lack of gratitude and meekness.

Alright, here’s an example. Even if it seems patronizing, for instance, if I’m perfectly able to cross a street by myself and someone stops to help me, it’s still nice of them to stop. I should let them have their good feeling. I should be grateful. It’s nice of them to try to be helpful. I can at least appreciate the spirit of the thing even if the help itself wasn’t necessary. A lot of people would rather slink away. I know it. That happens all the time. Enough that I can appreciate people who quell their fear of people who are different from them and try to be kind and helpful. It’s pride and ingratitude that makes me rebel against help. That’s sin. It’s not sin to be helped.

So that’s another thing I’ve been working on this past year. It’s hard because lots of other blind people will encourage an attitude of arrogant independence. But that’s not right. My life’s goal is not to prove to the world that blind people are just as capable and independent as sighted people. My life’s goal is to grow in godliness and show the love of Christ to others.

So those are just a very few of the things God’s given me grace to work on this year. I’m so grateful for his love and grace and protection through another year and I know he’ll be faithful in this new one.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

God bless!
Jason