Crippling Excuses

Earlier this morning, I passed by a young man, probably about 15 years old, crippled and using a walker to move along a hallway. His femurs, rather than coming straight down out of his hips, appeared to be oriented at a 30-45 degree angle so his legs and feet weren’t directly under him, making it impossible for him to walk without assistance.

After this encounter, I could probably mention something about being thankful for the simple things in life – like being able to walk – or I could write something about how others have it harder than you do, or simply encourage you to not take your blessings for granted. But I would like to take this in another direction because of where I saw this young man: at the gym!

Just to begin his workout required significant exertion. He literally had to crawl up onto the treadmill on all fours and then used the safety bars alongside the machine to pull himself up. Getting on the treadmill was a full body exercise for him. He then had to support most of his body weight with his arms and shoulders once he started the belt and began to move. When it comes down to having an excuse for not hitting the treadmill in the morning, “I can’t walk” is a pretty darn good one. But that didn’t stop this kid. He was there anyway, determined and resolute.

What is your excuse for not climbing over the obstacles in your life?

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