I have been dealing with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) since being diagnosed back in 2023. In my life before AS, I was actively involved in daily exercise, which included walking and weight lifting. The absence of that lifetime activity has taken its toll on me both physically and mentally since I have lost most of my muscle mass.

I have wanted to regain my ability to walk, but to no avail. Good friends have loaned me their walkers to assist me in walking. These were fine as long as I stayed inside and walked the hallways. But I longed to get outside again, to feel the breeze and breathe in fresh air.

I tried taking a walker outside and walking in the park, but the rough terrain was beyond its capability. I began to wonder if there were a four-wheeled, stable walker that could be used to walk outside. Using Google, I found one for seniors with a seat and ten-inch, air-filled rubber wheels. It arrived at my door six days later, and I couldn't wait to use it outside, as my wife and I prepared to walk in our favourite park. It was perfect!

A few days later, I was demonstrating my new walker to my grandchildren and telling them that I had found a way to motorize it. As they listened, they were anxious to know about this motor. I played along with them and finally revealed that I was the motor. Their response gladdened my heart when they said, "Way to go, Grandpa!"

With renewed hope, I am now able to walk every other day in the fresh air, and it is exciting to feel the strength coming back into my body. Now, I can't wait to do a single set of a few repetitions with weights that would comfortably fatigue my wasted muscles.

Fortunately, our physical infirmities do not necessarily interfere with our spiritual freedom in Christ.

Isaiah 40:31 – But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. (ESV)

And regardless of what we have to endure here on earth, there is always the hope of eternal joy in heaven, when God will remove all our infirmities.

Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away. (ESV)

We Christians can all rejoice in looking forward to walking and leaping and praising the Lord eternally!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the wise counsel found in Your Word. Help us pay attention to gaining wisdom and understanding, knowing that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Thank You that in Christ dwell all the treasures of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. In His name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Stephen French <sfrench3@telus.net>
Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
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