Quality of Life

This past week while visiting one of our senior ladies I was encouraged by her insights and words spoken.

We were discussing the changes in our lives as we lose some of our mobility and have to change our way of doing things. Some of us will need a cane to walk, others will use a walker, and still others may have to use a wheel chair.

As we spoke she shared how it was all a matter of choice as we face the future - whatever it might be.

She shared how she had just read a book that described a time in the author's life when he had undergone a problem with his heart. The problem was serious and had required surgery of some sort.

The story related that after the surgery for the heart problem the author had come for a check up and post-op consultation with his doctor. The doctor said some important words to the man.

"I have fixed your heart problems now you have to make a choice of what you do with the rest of your life. You must chose the quality of life you will live."

It was apparent that the man's choices up to that time had helped to worsen the condition of his heart. Now making better choices he would live longer and it would be better for his heart.

The senior that I spoke with related it to her own life as she had read the book. Only she was responsible for the quality of her own life. No one else had that control or would impose on her some life style that wasn't her own. AND most importantly she would not blame anyone for what was happening to her. She would accept each day as they came along and live with what she now has - to enjoy her quality of life. She would also adjust to the circumstances that she found herself in at the time.

As I have viewed many different people with their changes in life and health it has been very easy to see what she is referring to with the quality of life. Some blame and put down others because of their changes. Others have learned to accept with grace what is happening to them.

Another senior that I was with on Friday evening spoke about his eye sight failing. He now has AMD - age related macular degeneration. In his prime years he has completed a number of creative projects where he used his eyesight often. Now he cannot see who the man is ten feet from him... and up close work is very difficult. His creative work is done now.

His attitude was amazing as he told of what he faced now. There was a gentle acceptance.

Has he quit? No. He has just returned from a six month stay in Africa where he had been teaching young pastors all that he can in conversation with them.

I know that circumstances will dictate what happens at times. Because of physical loss we may lose our abilities in certain areas. But that will not dictate a quality of life. We are responsible for that. Circumstances may change at a work place - but that does not affect a quality of life. We do... our attitude will for sure.

May your choices this week have a powerful affect on your quality of life - towards a powerful new quality of life.