On my Level

I have absolutely no plan for this entry, but my sister challenged me to write about "level". She said, "You have written about life and love, so now it's time to write about level." When I usually begin forming an entry, I have a general outline to guide my writing, but I will admit that I am not really getting a direction for this entry.  However, I always enjoy a challenge, and perhaps I will be surprised to see where the writing takes me. 

Physically speaking, I have always been on a different level from others. When I was younger, my wheelchair was at the right level for my peers. But as my peers began growing, I was stuck at butt and crotch level. My gaze had to constantly shift up in order to make eye contact with my peers. However, as I grew, my wheelchair also transitioned to adapt to my body. Due to severe scoliosis and compromised respiratory function, my wheelchair took on a reclining position to provide comfort. Therefore, my view shifted from straight forward to a more upward panorama. While the actual level of my chair didn't change, the reclining position now allowed and gave me access to a whole new level and focus --upwards. 

My mom always says that she enjoys shopping with me because I can spot the sales in a store.  I credit this ability to the level in which I sit and also my heightened observation skills. Stores never place sale items at a normal person's level because naturally stores want individuals to pay full price.  However, when I am shopping, I am looking either below or above the expected "normal level". In this area of life, my level gives me an added bonus--finding the deals and saving money. 

The other day I was visiting at mom's house, and mom and I were admiring her flowers in front of the house. We came to the front door, and there was a gigantic wasp's nest in the upper right hand corner of the door. Wasps were swarming in and out of the nest; it looked like they were hosting a housewarming party. With much patience and effort, I got the message about the nest conveyed to mom. Mom was shocked as she had not noticed the nest, but it clearly had been there for some time. Mom was thankful for my detection, and the neighbor man graciously sprayed the nest, destroying all remaining wasps. In this scenario, my level provided mom with safety and prevention of a sting. 

Oftentimes, I will joke with people and say that things are always looking up for me. I will confess that God has blessed with me with a very positive outlook on life. Even when trials are stacked against me, I can usually find something humorous or positive about the situation.  But I realize that this outlook is a gift from God because I know that He is the reason that I can smile and laugh through my life. As I said earlier, I recline at a 45 degree angle in my wheelchair; when I am outdoors, I spend much time looking at the vast sky.  Isaiah 40:26 states, "Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." I feel quite small at my level when I survey the vastness of the sky.  It reminds me that God's handiwork is apparent on all levels of life. In addition, His presence is felt on all levels of life too. I believe that God has placed me at this specific level for His purpose and reason. 

I will continue looking up, resting in the comfort of knowing that God uses me at my level.  And I know one day that my eyes will meet the eyes of my Savior--at the perfect level!