People often ask me, “How have you accomplished so much in life as a blind person?” Much of what I have done comes from a combination of my faith and an innate sense of resiliency. Within these two realms, there is also a deep sense of self-discipline. Discipline can mean different things to different people. Born of hard work, discipline helps you make the difficult decisions within our lives. It is discipline that allows our hearts to embrace the pain that comes with sudden change, just as it did with my vision loss. Discipline is what has kept my life on track in the midst of fear and stress.
With discipline comes sacrifice. For every achievement in my life, there has been a need for sacrifice. Urban legend has convinced society that we “can” have it all. The fact is, we “can’t.” If I decide to wake up an hour before my children to grade papers, I must either sacrifice an hour of sleep that morning or go to bed an hour earlier the night before and sacrifice time with my spouse. Something has got to give.
Examine the great performers of film, music, or sports and you will find they had an unparalleled sense of self-discipline. They have learned self-control, and they understand how and when to exercise it.
Life is full of challenges and there are no overnight success stories. Nothing comes without sweat or exertion, be it mental or physical.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” – Hebrews 12:11, NIV
I continue to rely of God’s grace to grant me steadfastness in my self-discipline. For every challenge I encounter as a blind woman, wife, mother, and social worker; I accept He is preparing me for something greater than myself. I find peace in knowing that by His guidance I am learning more about the strength that comes with discipline.
