Imposed limitations or losses because of aging, disease, family changes, or financial reversals can create angst, anger, or insecurity, hijacking your vitality and focus, enticing you to brood over your challenges or woes. These distractions and temptations intend to hide the path to abundant life waiting in the lane God chooses for you.
“But, God.”
I haven’t run one step since June 6, 1980. Before that, I jogged two miles every night and played several sports. But God has a way of getting our attention, finding creative ways to move us into the lane He has in mind.
I believe my physical limitations were essential to receiving Jesus’ promise of peace and joy.
Life Isn’t Always in the Fast Lane
Living through a particularly rough patch, I needed a stress reduction tool; enter a 1973 Honda CB 250 motorcycle, tangible evidence of my new life. Back in 1979, it represented blessed freedom, and a needed uptick in self-esteem after my marriage ended.
In 1980, it cost me the full use of my knees.
The bike didn’t get a scratch on it. I had three more motorcycles; a bigger Honda, a Kawasaki (I still miss that bike), and a Suzuki. There are other makes, but some come with baggage. Do you know what they call a laughing motorcycle?
A Yamahahaha.
Finding Your Lane
Being in the right lane is a matter of connection and constant communication with the Father. What’s critical is finding the one where Jesus walks with you in the days and guards your nights.
The look, speed, and direction of your lane may change often, but those have little to do with it being the correct lane.
It’s easy to stay in your lane when you only see one, and every bridge is barely wide enough to cross. The more options you have on life’s superhighways, the more powerful the temptation to change lanes or direction.
Distractions are everywhere; whenever God removed a lane or two from my list of possibilities it became easier to focus on what remained.
If you’re familiar with livestock, you know how chutes and gates easily and safely guide animals where you want them to go. Barriers efficiently mark limitations and provide clear guidance. Barricades also keep you from driving off a cliff.
Some Limitations are Merciful Guidance
By 1987, I was permanently partially disabled and under doctor’s orders; “Don’t walk unless necessary.” Every morning I woke and assessed my ability. Could I walk or did I need crutches or a cane?
Everyone has something that’s crippled. The Apostle Paul had a thorn in his side that God refused to remove. Limitations are part of mortal life. When we accept them, making the most of what God provides, we stay in our lane, peaceful and protected, pursuing His purpose.
Losing my ability to walk won’t stop me. I often remind myself to focus on what I can do and not on what I can’t. It’s my mantra, and you’ll hear it plenty more times here. Lamenting what I can’t do anymore doesn’t solve anything.
An Unexpected Lane Change
“But, God…”
I began a thirty-year horse career in 1988, during which I started colts, trained stallions, competed, and judged. Toting hay bales, feed sacks, and wheelbarrows was the stuff of everyday life.
In 1997, looking at X-rays of my knees, my orthopedic surgeon asked, “What did you say you do?”
“I train horses. You know, start colts, show, all that.”
“You can’t. That’s impossible.”
I smiled, “And yet I do.”
God does the impossible to move us where He wants us to be.
My knees hurt, but they’d hurt even if I did nothing, so I did what I’d always dreamed of. The rest of my story is a series of gates and doors God opened to bring me to the precise spot that best serves Him.
Miracles of Ability and Limitations
My horse career was a miracle; nothing else can explain it. It’s over now. The ability to train horses and work an acreage is visible only in the rearview mirror. Physically, I’m right where I was forty years ago, except for the laughable effects of gravity.
Just last week, I finally accepted the passing of my horse career, while I enjoy a wonderful new season of creating connection from the saddle with our aging horses. For a few years I straddled the line between two or three different lanes.
“But, God.”
Seeing what’s ahead is so much easier when you only have to look in one lane.
Blessed by Limitations
Sometimes temptations are bad things, but they can also be good things that belong to another lane. Because He is merciful and full of grace, God provides limits to more easily direct us to the lane He has in mind.
Restrictions make our journey EASIER, not more difficult, unless we refuse to accept them. Not having the distraction of a motorcycle in the garage or horses out my kitchen door helps to keep me in the lane God chooses for me today, the only place I want to be.
Another gate, another chute. My lane change is complete.
“But, God.”
At least for now.
Explore More Benefits, Tips, and Observations to Enjoy Your Lane
Related post: The Benefits of Being A Woman of a Certain Age
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Losing My Ability To Walk Won’t Stop Me
I encourage you to read Hawken Miller’s entire piece because of his great perspective.
On March 11, 2011, I received an eleven-word with instruction to, “Tell them.” Rapture and Revelation is the result. In case you wonder, “this is the End Time.” That’s the first five word. The others, and much more, are revealed in Rapture and Revelation.
Click the photo or links to check it out.
2 Responses
Wow – I needed to read that tonight – I have so much that hacks me, but God, chatting with my mother today about our house issue and I said, for the last 12 months I have walked around saying – I am ready to live in a shed I am tired of maintaining an ageing house and a garden (as much as I know it is a privilege and we are so well set up) it is a distraction. Same can be said for our horses that need to be worked, fed, groomed etc as you know – secretly where I would rather spend the time! Thanks Lynn – I am glad I opened your email – Now to do what I was meant to do tonight!
A God Dot perhaps? He always knows what we need when we need it. The trick is to recognize the offer and accept.
I’ve discovered something interesting—as much as I love spending time with my horses and am grateful that God used them to bring me along the path He had in mind, the pathway changed somewhere along the way because His plan for me moved up a few notches. We’re always in preparation for what’s next. The exercises we do with horses change as they grow and master new skills. We’re no different in God’s training program.
If I take too much time away from where I know He wants me today, even if it’s with the horses, my spirit isn’t at much at rest because I know I’m not “about my Father’s business” precisely as He prefers. My horses are still my greatest source of relaxation, they still teach me, and we’re still making progress together. I guess what I’m saying is that wherever God wants you, that’s the best place in the world to be. You have a big purpose. Keep taking one step forward. You’ll get there.
Blessings, Lynn
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