I was so excited today!  I had a tennis match and I couldn’t wait to play.  I got dressed early so I would be ready to go.  I left early so I would be on time.  I couldn’t wait. 

I had to stop by the store to pick up some tennis balls.  It was a home match for me so I needed to provide a can of balls.  As I walked into the store I felt a spring in my step.  I felt good and healthy and strong.  I walked briskly back to the tennis department and picked up a couple of cans of balls.  The spring in my step grew as I walked to the check out counter.  I scanned all of the lines to find the shortest line ~ I wanted to get out on the courts and be ready for my match. 

I put my cans of balls on the conveyer belt to finalize my purchase.  I was ready to check out and thought I picked the fastest line because the belt was empty and the person in front of me was finishing her purchase, or so I thought. 

It was then I noticed her, really noticed her…the woman in front of me.  I couldn’t see her when I first picked my checkout line.  Actually, I thought no one was in line because she was hidden.  She was in a wheelchair.  The line was slower than most as the woman in the wheelchair struggled.  She had a pill box in her hand and she was trying hard to shake the pills in the box into her mouth.  She struggled to take a sip of water out of her bottle and put it back in the cup holder.  I watched as the woman in the wheelchair struggled to get her card out of her wallet, eventually handing her wallet to the cashier.  She asked for help getting out the card she needed.  The cashier was kind and patient as she helped the woman in the wheelchair. 

As I stood in line, taking in the struggle of the woman in the wheelchair, I noticed a patch on the back of her wheelchair which said the woman in front of me was an Air Force Vet.  I wished with all of my might for courage so that I could thank her for her service.  My courage failed me.  I couldn’t do it.  I couldn’t get the words out of my mouth.   I wished  I could. 

Watching the struggle of the woman in the wheelchair was truly a humbling experience for me.  Here I walk into the store feeling so strong and healthy and I am humbled by a United States Air Force Veteran in a wheelchair.  She is the strong one.  She reminded me of this poem I found months ago and was waiting ~ waiting for the right time to share it. 

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly obey…

I asked for health, that I might do great things.
I ws give infirmity, that I might do better things…

I asked for riches, that I might be happy.
I was given poverty, that I might be wise…

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God…

I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life.
I was given life, that I might enjoy all things…

I got nothing I asked for – but everything I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blesssed!

Written by an unknown Confederate Soldier

I was humbled today.