Acceptance

The Spiritual Life Department here at Newbury Court has recently offered a study of “The Book of Joy” by Bishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama. It is based on a series of discussions by those two amazing leaders on both obstacles to joy and “pillars” of joy. Among the latter is the theme of Acceptance. It is that concept that occupies my mind at this Lenten season, and in my personal life.

Jesus praying in Gethsemane is the ultimate example of Acceptance. He pleaded with God to spare Him the suffering and death that he knew was approaching, but that profound “Nevertheless” (Your will, not mine) has resounded through the centuries and speaks to all of us who face difficulties.

It is nearly impossible to know God’s will. I believe that God loves us and desires the best for us, but when health deteriorates – especially during the aging process – it is very hard to accept the limitations and to know exactly how to proceed with one’s life. I am experiencing increasing spinal and leg problems which doctors attribute to arthritis and for which they seem to have no solution. Thus, acceptance becomes vital. I have accepted the fact that my use of stairs to and from my second floor apartment must be limited to once or possibly twice a day. The use of a walker has helped considerably, but pain persists. There could be a wheelchair in my future. That possibility brings a whole new aspect of Acceptance. It may be wise to move. For now I accept (and am grateful for) my current living quarters and the support of many friends and neighbors.

My future is in God’s hands, and I pray for the courage to accept whatever God has planned. The Gethsemane prayer is an inspiration, as are the words from Jeremiah 29:11 in which God says, “I know the plans I have for you… plans for your welfare and not for harm… to give you a future with hope.”

-Janet Johnson