In my first article of this series on living with illness or disability, I mentioned living life to the fullest despite these conditions.

I knew at the time there would be many who would wonder how this is possible when they could barely get through each day or when all their plans and hopes had been destroyed.

In an effort to explain myself, we must first consider our definition of living life to the fullest. To many people, it may mean success through their job and financial security, accompanied by the material possessions and enjoyment they create.

If this is what we believe to be a fulfilled life, and we become sick or disabled, we will feel as though there is no purpose to our lives because we can no longer pursue these things or accomplish our dreams.

On the other hand, if we are able to pursue these goals for our entire lives and accomplish what we had hoped, this is still not living life to the fullest simply because these things never provide lasting fulfillment. Sooner or later they are not enough.

We have all heard of famous or wealthy people who admitted their lives were empty and meaningless, despite their success. They were left with a nagging sense that there had to be something more.

For instance, Howard Hughes, who was worth $2.5 billion dollars at his death, was the richest man in the United States at the time. He owned a private fleet of jets, hotels and casinos. He had spent the last 15 years of his life a drug addict, too weak in the end to even administer the shots to himself. At the time of his death, he weighed only 90 pounds, and no one seemed to mourn his death. The only honour he received was a moment of silence in his Las Vegas casinos. Time magazine wrote: "Howard Hughes' death was commemorated in Las Vegas by a minute of silence. Casinos fell silent. Housewives stood uncomfortable, clutching their paper cups full of coins at the slot machines, the blackjack games paused, and at the crap tables the stickmen cradled the dice in the crook of their wooden wands. Then a pit boss looked at his watch, leaned forward and whispered, 'Okay, roll the dice. He's had his minute.' "

This poignantly illustrates a truth that points directly to the words of Jesus in Luke 12, verse 15: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Often the experience of pain or loss causes us to re-evaluate our lives and look for deeper meaning. It is in that state of humility and soulful seeking that we are often led to the realization that a life of true fulfillment comes only from surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ, just as He said in John 10, verse 10: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."

It is as we abide in His daily presence, enfolded in His love, that we receive peace, strength, wisdom, and the grace we need to live our lives, despite our circumstances.

So, whatever is happening in our lives, whether we are struggling, in good health or bad, true fulfillment comes only one way. It comes only from asking Jesus into our hearts. As we do that, we become a reflection of Him and every aspect of our life is changed as we begin to live the life He has planned for us. That is truly living life to the fullest.

Patricia Bryan is the pastor of His Path Christian Centre (pat@hispath.org).

Column – Acts of Faith Sep 23 2006
By Pat Bryan, NEWS Columnist