Cold Start to Speaking

As we progress through a year, certain days mark anniversaries of various kinds. Everyone has a birthday, and then you may have a wedding anniversary, graduations, and work milestones. Friday was another year of entering the quad life.

For the past few years, I have been counting to 40 years post injury. Just like turning 40 years old, it is a special year indicating God's blessings. After a new decade, the following few years just seem like more numbers added on, at least to me. With 2026 marking 41 years post injury, it somewhat feels like just another year. Throughout these four decades, my family and I have had help from many people in various ways.

I can never repay all that I've been given, but I like to help wherever I can. Volunteering at CHAMP Camp for 16 years was great fun and a way to help and I also mentor others with spinal cord injuries through a few different organizations. A few weeks ago, I was asked if I could help preach this month.

My response was that I don't normally schedule anything before mid-March due to weather concerns. At the time, it was in the low 60's and very nice. However, Iowa weather changes quickly from one day to the next. Ten days ago, I was asked if I would preach today and that few others were available. The long-term forecast looked good, so my family and I thought it would be okay to bend my annual start date.

Now that the day has arrived, the weather changed to very cold with wind chills around 0 for the time to be at church. Instead of staying warm in bed as I normally would, I got out to brave the cold and preach the Word of God.

Paul wrote to the Philippians that he could do all things through Christ who strengthened him. This doesn't mean we can flap our arms and fly, but that we will be given what we need to serve God. As I stretch my comfort zone, I have been remembering and praying this verse.

It has been shown me through the decades of quad life that God will give what is needed, but in His timing. Different scenarios of getting stuck outside have gone through my head, but I know it's extremely unlikely on a day with just cold and no snow accumulation.

If nothing else, today serves as a reminder of why I have my schedule rules. Thankfully, I should be home all week and can warm up for the next few days. I look forward to warmer days of going to preach and have a new record start day that will not be repeated, at least in Iowa.