What do Joni Eareckson Tada (paraplegic) and astrophysicist Stephen William Hawking, (who has a disease like ALS- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) have in common? Answer: she paints with a brush between her teeth and he operates his computer with a stylus held between his teeth.

But more importantly, although they could not be father apart in world views they share exactly the same focus as they live one day at a time with their respective disabilities.  “We must NOT focus on what we don’t have; We MUST focus on what we DO have.”

Tada helps people with severe disabilities most every day.  Hawking is now Director of Research at the Centre for Theoretical Cosmology in the Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics at the University of Cambridge.  He is known for his contributions to the fields of cosmology and quantum gravity, especially in the context of black holes.

As typified above, many people with disabilities, including people who are successfully recovering from substance abuse often learn to focus and live “one day at a time.”  Matthew 6:34  34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today. My corollary is: Please avoid the thieves of the past and the future which will rob you of today’s opportunities, if you let them. The two well known people above would add, don’t spend any time or energy on things that are not under your control.

For Joni, who knows and loves Jesus, she would be the first to admit that ALL things are under God’s control, and our focus on Him produces very positive and beneficial attitudes. 

At 75, I am now working with 5 senior Bible Study groups in McKinney, seeking to bring out attitudes of joy, thanksgiving, prayer, and cooperation with Gods’ Spirit.  Again Joni subscribes to Matthew 6:33 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

Here are some of those positive attitudes He brings to “older age” believers, taken from "31 Days of Encouragement," by Ruth Meyers.

• As your outward attractiveness begins to fade, let the greater beauty of His presence flourish within you.  Then in each new season of life you’ll continue to grow in positive ways.
• Enjoy your memories of old, but prize nothing more than the Lord and the value He places on each day.
• Lord may my ability to find joy in You never diminish.
• Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.  Psalm 37:4
• Grant me a growing ability to see all things as a stepping stone to You.
• May I keep growing spiritually, not become childish, but become more and more mature as Your child.
• May I become more moldable, pliable, and teachable, letting You smooth my rough edges and overcome my besetting sins.