One wonderful summer morning I went out for a walk. 

I went in a wheelchair because this is the only way I can move. A man came up behind me and said: ‘I don’t envy you.’ I kept going, smiling and thinking that he should envy me! 

What a shame, I thought, that people often don’t see what is really important in life. Health problems are seen as a huge calamity while problems with the soul go unnoticed and the other gifts of God are not valued.

God has blessed me so abundantly! I live with my dad who is called the best father in the world by everyone who knows him. 

We have a flat, and we even each have our own room. I have friends who enrich my life. I live in a country where, after 70 years of persecuting the faith, there is now freedom of belief, and I have come to God. 

My daughter is studying at university and recently she and her fiancé got married in our church. I simply cannot find words of gratitude to God for all that he has given me. No, I can’t walk, but I have so many other joys in my life. Most importantly, I have the Lord.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to see your grace and mercy in our lives. We pray as Jesus taught us, saying, ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.’ Amen