A Story About a Man Who Knew How to Go with the Flow

When I was working as a technician for a radiologist in the Windy City, who specialized in arthrograms, an x-ray of the inside of the knee using dye to light up the soft tissue, a long distance runner limped in to undergo the examination.

After the test was complete, and the doctor had carefully studied the films, he solemly informed the unfortunate man that he would never run again. After thinking hard for a moment, and with hope in his voice, he said that if he couldn't run then he would become the best swimmer in Chicago. He was going to join a pool club!

I stood there amazed and inspired. Never had I ever seen someone so adaptable to his circumstances and willing to make the best of a bad situation. I thought that this man can do nothing but to succeed in life. Yes, he was indeed going to be a fine swimmer. It reminded me of a song that my class used to sing when I was in the first grade. "I want a red bird. I want a red bird. But if I can't have a red bird, a blue one will do."

I too have been diagnosed with a debilitating and much misunderstood disorder. An illness that not only often keeps one out of the nine to five workplace, but carries with it a terrible stigma-the mental illness of bipolar disorder. But I have found ways to get around it in order to be successful.

After emerging to the surface from the dark waters of a long term, major depression of many years, I discovered that I had a knack for writing inspirational poetry and spiritual meditations. I love the Lord so I decided that I would develope these talents for Him. I studied English literature and journalism at a local university for five years in order to fine tune my writing skills. And then I acquired some computer skills at the ripe old age of 50.

Perhaps unable to work in a traditional work place, I possess two talents, and I have placed both those talents in the Lord's collection plate. Even the people in my precious, little church don't quite understand the value of these abilities, but I know that my Lord will multiply my little poems back to me like he did the five loaves of bread and fishes for the little boy. And since I'm too disabled and/or rejected in the work place, then I'll be the best darn inspirational writer on the Internet. With His help, I can do nothing but succeed!