The Movie Avatar Reminded Me....

I had a great date night tonight with my wife! We had a wonderful dinner and then went to see Avatar. In the beginning of the movie, you meet a guy (a Marine) who is in a wheelchair for life due to an injury from a war he fought. If you have seen this movie, you know that this guy lies in a pod and in some virtual setup lives out a different life in the body of an Avatar on the planet Pandora. As an Avatar, he is able to run, walk, run, run, run! The first time he does this, he takes off and runs, loving the fact that he has use of legs through this Avatar. I began to cry. I had to take my 3-D glasses off several times to wipe away the tears.

You see, having been in a wheelchair (not as long as this guy), but in one long enough to realize that not having the use of my legs (feet) was devastating. This guy longed for the use of his legs. And I was totally able to relate in a small way.

I want to run again. Right now, I can't. My feet, specifically my right foot will not let me. But, with much less weight to haul around and a body that is in much better shape, I will again run. I will be able to run bases with my son when we play baseball together. I will be able to run when my son grabs my hand and says "run Daddy, run!" He does this now and I have to pull him back and tell him that Daddy can't run like he can.

Continue to pray that I will be able to run. I want this as much as I wanted to walk for the first time, unassisted at Thanksgiving 2008 (and I did, praise God!). I want this! I want this!

I love you!
Russ

So Very Blessed

We just finished watching VeggieTales St Nicholas. And yes, I know, Christmas is over so why are we watching a Christmas video...well my son watches Christmas videos and listens to Christmas music year round.

The theme of this specific video is this, "I give because I am happy and I am happy because Jesus gave everything to me!" As the video was coming to the end, everyone was coming together to help this family who was in need. As usual, I start crying. I began looking around and specifically at my son and wife and I was reminded of how blessed I am by our wonderful God. He has given me everything and I owe Him my life.

Thank you God. I will never ever be able to repay my debt to you, but I am so thankful for all that you gave and continue to give to me! I love you!

Pain!

Have you ever been in so much pain that all you can do is just get in a fetal position and cry? That was me last night. I had a great time with my family in Branson, MO this weekend, but I was up on my feet too much and I paid for it!

Strangely enough, as I was lying on my bed crying like a big baby, I was praising God for the ability to walk! Walking with pain is much better than being confined to a wheelchair and no pain! Thank you God!

Russ