I am a hypochondriac.

This is something you need to know about me if we’re going to be friends. I tend to assume that any cough, headache or bump will probably lead to my certain demise. I’m not proud of this, but it’s true. It’s my “hidden disability.” (You should also know that I’m married to an immensely patient and calm man. God bless him.)

I tell you all of this because I had an experience this week that got me thinking about all of you…folks who are interested in helping families affected by disabilities. This past week, I had a skin biopsy. Unfortunately for the doctor, nurse, and everyone who crossed my path, I was in a tizzy about it. Everything turned out just fine, and aside from a bit of soreness, I’m good to go.

But here is the thing I keep reflecting on…during this week, I had such encouragement from people close to me while I fretted. My husband, of course, was ready with hugs and reassurances, along with a fond tolerance for my ever-ruminating worries. My colleague, Rebecca has the uncanny ability to make a joke out of absolutely everything, and as a result, she had me belly laughing until tears rolled down my face. My sister, a registered nurse, gave me clinical information to allay my fears, in addition to her ever-present, no-nonsense approach to solving problems. Toni, my dear, funny friend, provided anecdotes and anti-worry strategies. My business partner, Suzanne, described a similiar situation she had experienced, and the favorable results. Dr. Steve pitched in as well, explaining the doctor’s comments and praying for me.

This all seems so silly in retrospect…after all, it was just a “nothing.” But look at how my friends and family rallied around me, each using his or her own gifts to play a part. This is just exactly what we encourage folks to do as they reach out to families affected by disabilities. By using your own unique gifts to welcome, teach, and nurture, these families will feel calmer, safer and included. That’s a great thing, because we need them in our midst~ in fact, we’re incomplete without them!

1 Corinthians 12:18 tells us, “…God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but ONE BODY.”

So, as you head into the weekend, consider your gifts…are you an encourager? Do you have the ability to make people feel comfortable? Are you the funny one who can always make someone laugh? Do you have the knack for helping kids calm down? Whatever your gifts are, you can use them to fortify the body…just by being yourself!

Happy Weekend~
Katie

Tune in on Tuesday for our first “Teaching Tips on Tuesday” feature.

PS I have this strange ache in my elbow. It’s probably nothing. Right? I think I’ll call Rebecca…