Sometimes when I run errands during breaks from my job, I see a man who uses a motorized wheelchair. This man’s body is the size of that of a 10-year-old boy but his head is the size of an adult’s. I assume he works in one of the offices or businesses near where I work. I don’t know him and I’ve never spoken to him except to say “hi,” but I am so impressed by him. I think of how much more difficult and time-consuming it is for him to get ready for work each day than it is for me. And to commute to work, and to do his work, and so on. Writing this reminds me of another person who impressed me. When I was in graduate school, one of my instructors had multiple sclerosis. During the first couple of classes I sometimes had trouble understanding what she said because her illness affected her speech. But before long I was able to understand her fine; it was similar to getting used to hearing someone who speaks with an accent different from mine. She was an intelligent, knowledgeable, and capable teacher. And at times I would think about the challenges she faced each day because of her illness.
In my writing, I often emphasize the importance of making choices to maintain and improve our health: good nutrition, exercise, not smoking or using drugs, etc. I believe good health is a gift from the Creator, and we should do our best to take care of this precious gift. But sometimes people are given the challenge of health problems they did not cause or to which they did not contribute. Very likely my teacher and the man I’ve referred to were born with their disabilities. When I feel lazy, I think of them. Thinking of them helps me to be motivated to do what I need to do and also reminds me to be thankful for my gift of good health.