Today’s scripture: Luke 1:5-25 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Julie Walsh):
Singing has long been a vital component of my life. It has been essential to my job duties as a music teacher in schools and as a worship leader at church. Outside the work environment, I have used singing as an act of community engagement and personal fulfillment. It has served not only a practical purpose, but it has also been my avenue to privately commune with God.
About five years ago during a performance with the Indianapolis Symphonic Choir, I felt a pop in my vocal cords. I immediately noticed a change in the mechanics of my vocal production. Fear and distress poured out in the tears that carved a river down my cheeks.
I continued to feel the difference in my voice; it just didn’t feel right. Not only did it feel different, my vocal range decreased, I grew vocally weary after short periods of time, and my notes were seized by spontaneous interruptions in the vocal sound.
It took over a year before I had the courage to consult with a doctor. During the exam, I was led through a series of vocal exercises to measure the movement and vibrations of my vocal cords. I received the devastating news from the specialist, who explained that a rare virus had attacked one of the nerves in my vocal cords, leaving it paralyzed. And so began my two year period of vocal rest.
All of this may partially explain why I was moved by the account of Zechariah being struck with the inability to speak, even though it was a result of his doubt. What inspired me even more is that despite being mute, he remained steadfast to his responsibilities at the temple. It was likely he had to fulfill a full week of service before he could return to his home in the countryside. Though unable to communicate verbally, I imagine he still oversaw the offering of sacrifices, cleansed the altar and properly arranged the elements, and burned incense, among other duties.
Health changes are not a stranger to most of us. As the years pass, our bodies revolt against our minds and our best intentions. The once exhilarating rides at King’s Island now turn our stomachs in circles. Back pain keeps us from working in the garden like we used to. Diseases ravage mental and bodily functioning, and toxic treatments surge through our veins in hopes of recovery and longevity.
How we choose to carry on in spite of these changes is up to us. Zechariah demonstrated faithfulness and responsibility when inflicted with a change in his health. He relinquished control and accepted a new way of functioning.
Over time I, too, have learned the new parameters of my voice. It may seem surprising for anyone who cannot physically see the damage or hear any difference in my singing, but I know the changes full well and have had to adapt in order to move forward. I am now differently abled and have accepted the new range of my abilities.
How about you? Whether you are experiencing the challenges of growing older or have been inflicted with a diagnosis that was out of your control, you have been given the choice in how to respond to these changes. How will you choose to represent yourself?
Thought for the Day: Like Zechariah, I choose to accept that I may be differently abled today than yesterday. I will embrace these changes with grace, remembering that I am still useful to God.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.