Lyla Swafford shares how, because of her cerebral palsy, often she watched others, but this time, the eyes were on her.

A disability does not disable joy

My daughter freaked out when she heard what I was about to do. “Mom, why do you want to go parasailing?” I smiled and then laughed. “Honey, it’ll be fun!” Although Rachael knew that I love adventure, she was afraid because I have Cerebral Palsy and I have limited use of my hands, and my balance is precarious.

It was my sister’s idea. When my 10-year-old daughter and I were visiting my extended family in Montana, my sister Kathy and I took our girls on a quick road trip. As we ate ice cream at a marina, my sister Karen went to talk to the man who worked there. In a few minutes Karen came and introduced me to Jess. I squealed with delight when Karen pointed to Jess and said, “I just asked him if you could go parasailing. He explained how we could go tandem parasailing safely.”

So we did. Our pink and white parasail began to rise, taking us in the air with it! I was bursting with joy as I soared higher and higher into the air. Usually, I was the one watching others perform daring feats, but this time they were watching me! My disability wasn’t holding me back!

My disability wasn’t holding me back! quote by Lyla Swafford for Begin Within: A Gratitude Series

I felt utterly alone with God and at peace as we soared through the blue skies above Flathead Lake. Now I knew how it felt to be in the shelter of God’s wings. That was a perfect day. For one day, for a few moments of it, I could feel free. I had longed for this feeling, this freedom, all of my life. I’m so grateful for that experience.

Much as I would have like to hold onto the joy and peace of that moment, I haven’t. Sometimes life is full of frustrations. I only use two fingers to type so it can be frustrating but I love to share stories of encouragement.

Delight in the little things

At Christmas, we don’t need to get all stressed out. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed because our expectations are high. Keep this in mind: we don’t live in a Better Homes and Gardens magazine photo shoot. I remember when my young daughter was 7 years old, she said, let’s set up the Christmas tree. I had to say (with disappointment thinking of my physical limitations), “We have to wait for help.”

Instead, the little rascal told me to stay in my bedroom and closed the door. An hour later, I was delighted to see that she had set up the small tree with her favorite shiny decorations, all by herself. She was full of joy.

Let’s look for joy in small things like simple Christmas decorations, food lovingly prepared in advance by friends or family. Wrapping presents can be challenging, but I’m thankful for colorful gift bags.

Where do you find your joy?

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 NIV

Meet Lyla Swafford

Lyla Swafford, an author, grandmother, asker of profound questions, and faithful prayer who always endeavors not to let cerebral palsy limit her, writes for Begin Within: A Gratitude Series.

Lyla always endeavors not to let cerebral palsy limit her. Her short stories and devotionals remind people that God is faithful and gives them courage to face their struggles. Her memoir, It Takes More Than Legs to Stand, was a finalist in the 2017 Oregon Christian Writers Cascade Awards. Encouragement comes from Bible Study, Joni and Friends, and Good Samaritan Ministries (GSM), as well.

Lyla completed the GSM counselor training, and knows how to ask profound questions. Prayer is essential in her life of walking with Jesus. God answers prayers in amazing ways, like when Lyla’s daughter chose to go to George Fox University, just like her mother. Talk about abundant Joy, and blessings: Every time Lyla sees her three precious grandchildren, her heart does the happy dance.

Where to find her . . .

Begin Within is a series to inspire a year-round lifestyle of gratitude that will impact not only your own life, but the lives of your neighbors as well. Gratitude is a theme we talk about often around here because it ties so closely into other missional living rhythms. Practicing gratitude reminds to keep our hearts soft and expectant and our eyes open. Therefore, the more we embrace gratitude, the easier it becomes to truly see our neighbors and where we can join what God is already doing in our neighborhoods.

If you would like to contribute to Begin Within, you can find the submission guidelines here.

Creating Ripples

If you would like to cultivate rhythms in addition to gratitude that will empower you live on mission in your neighborhood, check out Cultivating a Missional Life: A 30-Day Devotional to Gently Help You Open Your Heart, Home, and Life to Your Neighbors. This small book will help you make a big impact in your neighborhood as you learn to let missional living flow from the inside out. Get the 30-day missional living challenge free when you purchase the book.