Rich Dixon helps us remember.

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Last Friday was December 5^th.

If you’ve followed my story, you know that’s a significant date. 38 years ago, I started the day by climbing onto a roof to install a few Christmas lights. By the end of the day, doctors informed me I had a cervical spinal cord injury and was likely permanently paralyzed below my chest. I was 36 years old.

Sometime during the next few weeks, I was told I would likely not live to age 50. Frankly, that was fine with me. At that point, I was certain a meaningful life was impossible anyway.

I spent the next decade or so trying to prove myself correct.

During those years, God continued to send people into my life who refused to let me give up on myself, but I was awfully stubborn. Eventually, 4 guys insisted I try handcycling.

A two-block handcycle ride transformed my entire point of view. I began that ride in total hopelessness. When I finished, I couldn’t wait to do it again.

For the first time since my injury, I was looking forward. I didn’t realize it, but on that ride, God helped me discover hope.

I’ve often thought back to all those wasted years and wondered how many opportunities I had to change my attitude. But, of course, that sort of wondering is just wasted regret. The point is God’s faithfulness. Despite my stubborn refusal to listen, he kept sending people who encouraged me not to give up.

And because of his persistence, I found handcycling and all the joy that’s come with it.

A question for you: What new information, what new opportunity, is staring at you right now, offering you the opportunity to change course?

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