The Legs of a Man

His delight is not in the strength of the horse,

nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,

but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,

in those who hope in his steadfast love.— Psalms 147:10-11

As most of you know, I have a neurological condition that has put a hitch in my get-along. I'm learning to live with it—more or less.

I started using a cane a couple of years ago. Now I use a three-wheel walker when I'm out and about. [I also have an "off-road" walker for rugged terrain.] No doubt, I'll be in a wheelchair before long and Carolyn be pushing me around. (Please, no remarks from my friends about retributive justice.)

I came across a George MacDonald story a few months back, that encouraged me greatly. Perhaps it will encourage you as well.

“I shall get rid of my lameness there (in Heaven), Margaret, shall I not?” said Euphra, one day, half playfully.

“Yes, dear.” “It will be delightful to walk again without pain. Perhaps you will not get rid of it all at once, though.”

“Why do you think so?” asked Euphra, with some appearance of uneasiness.

“Because, if it is taken from you before you are quite willing to have it as long as God pleases, by and by you will not be able to rest, till you have asked for it back again, that you may bear it for his sake.”

“I am willing, Margaret, I am willing. Only one can’t like it, you know.”

“I know that,” answered Margaret. She spoke no more, and Margaret heard her weeping gently. Half an hour had passed away, when she looked up, and said:

“Margaret, dear, I begin to like my lameness, I think.”

“Why, dear?”

“Why, just because God made it, and bade me bear it. May I not think it is a mark on me from his hand?”

“Yes, I think so.”

“Why do you think it came to me?"

“To walk back to Him with, my dear.”

—George MacDonald, David Elginbrod, Ch 22.

David Roper

1.26.17