This afternoon I went over to our aging parents’ home to sit with sweet aging parent #1 (whom I shall refer to as AP – for “aging parent”), while aging parent #2 was taken to a doctor’s appointment by hubby.
AP is now wheelchair bound … and resultingly home bound.
No more getting in and out of the car to take afternoon drives to beautiful scenic sites. No more church services. No more grocery store outings.
AP stays inside, at home.
I have been pondering the Apostle Paul’s time in Rome. At the end of the book of Acts we read: “When we got to Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself, with a soldier to guard him.” – Acts 28:16
“For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house.” – Acts 28:30
I find myself wondering if Paul was ever allowed to leave the rented house he was staying in. Did the soldier guarding him ever allow him take an afternoon walk around the neighborhood, under guarded chains of course? Did Paul have a chance, at all, to get outside in the sunshine?
Or was he confined to his house permanently?
These thoughts were on my mind this afternoon as I went over to spend time with AP. It was a gloriously sunny afternoon, so I decided to take AP for a walk/wheelchair ride in the sunshine. Oh the joy of a walk in the sunshine! AP enjoyed our walk every bit as much as I did! She had the biggest smile!
After our walk in the sunshine, AP and I sat in the cool shade of the community garden. Oh the joy of the beautiful flowers! Oh the joy of the rustling of the dried cottonwood leaves in the breeze! AP had the biggest smile!
AP might be confined to home, and to a wheelchair, but her attitude is not despair or complaining. Her attitude is joyfulness.
In much the same way, the Apostle Paul, confined to home under house arrest, had an attitude of joyfulness and gratitude!
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” – Philippians 1:3-5
Gratitude is powerful at keeping a positive attitude! Gratitude is powerful for maintaining a healthy mindset. Gratitude results in joy!
As I sit at the table feeding AP her pureed rice, she thanks me! She is so grateful! Gratitude results in joy!
What was the Apostle Paul thinking about while he was confined to home, under house arrest? What occupied his thoughts?
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6
No bemoaning the past. No looking back … but rather Paul’s gaze was looking forward! Looking forward with hopeful expectation toward the amazing things God is going to do in the future!
That’s amazing! That’s an amazing positive attitude in the middle of a challenging circumstance.
“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love.” – Philippians 2:1-2
Confined to home, under house arrest, Paul focused on encouraging others! He probably was not receiving much encouragement himself, but he encouraged others to encourage others!
Paul probably was not receiving much comfort or love … but he encouraged others to comfort and love each other!
Paul probably was not having much fellowship with other people. Paul was probably lonely. But he instructed others to encourage each other through fellowship!
Paul probably was not being treated with any tenderness or compassion, but he encouraged others to be tender and show compassion to each other.
That’s amazing! That’s an amazing positive attitude!
“Do everything without complaining or arguing.” – Philippians 2:14
Now that’s very direct! If anybody had cause to complain it would be the Apostle Paul. But Paul chose gratitude! Paul chose hope! Paul chose joy!
This was a conscious, intentional choice.
Gratitude doesn’t just happen.
Hopefulness does not just happen.
A life filled with joy does not just happen.
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
No gazing back. No bemoaning the past. Paul was determined to finish well!
Paul had faithfully obeyed God up to this point. And Paul was determined to finish well … to faithfully obey to the very end.
“Rejoice in the Lord always.” – Philippians 4:4
Confined to home, under house arrest … but full of joy!
“I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all.” – Philippians 4:5
A joyful person is by nature a gentle person.
“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything.” – Philippians 4:5-6
Even when confined to home, God is here! There is no reason to despair! There is no reason to be anxious … because God is here!
“Whatever is true … whatever is noble … whatever is right … whatever is pure … whatever is lovely … whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” – Philippians 4:8
This right here is what occupied the Apostle Paul’s thoughts and mind while he was under house arrest in Rome.
Last week I was sitting with AP. It was a delightful fall day, and we were out on the balcony. Workers were busy replacing the roof on apartments across the way and one of them whistled loudly to get the attention of a coworker. AP leaned in close to confide something … and although her mumble was unintelligible, she was clearly sharing something humorous, and we both enjoyed a good chuckle together! Joy … in living!
A lady and her adorable little dog walked past below us. Once more AP spoke up … and although likewise unintelligible, it was clearly exciting! Joy … in living! Joy in the little things!
AP might be confined to home, and to a wheelchair, but her attitude is one of joyfulness.
No matter the hardship, we can have joy.
How??
How can we have joy like the Apostle Paul?? What is the secret??
“I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
Jesus Christ is the power-factor!
Jesus Christ gave the Apostle Paul the strength to have joy … even in Paul’s difficult circumstance. And likewise, Jesus Christ will give us strength to have joy … even in our own difficult circumstance.
Jesus Christ gave the Apostle Paul the strength to be grateful … no matter the hardship. And likewise, Jesus Christ will gives us the strength to be grateful … no matter our own hardship.
