I’m naturally more pessimistic. While I’m less morose than Puddleglum from Narnia, who always expected the worst, I’m not far behind. The apostle Thomas often gets a bad rap as “Doubting Thomas.” But I can’t help but see a valiant pessimism when, after Jesus’s resurrection of Lazarus and announcement of his departure to Jerusalem, he said, “Let us also go, that we may die with him” (John 11:16). 

I’m filled with similar personalities in my life who, oddly enough, encourage me with their no-nonsense, faithful plodding. But I’m also encouraged by other believers who, amid difficult trials and tribulations, maintain an ebullient trust in Christ. One such person is Joni Eareckson Tada. In a recent article for TGC, she reflects on the 55 years she has spent in a wheelchair. Rather than coasting along in this season of life and ministry, she freshly resolves to follow Christ: “I’m ‘wheeling’ the race that the Lord Jesus has set before me.”

So whether you’re abounding in thanksgiving or given over to Marsh-wiggle glumness, I encourage you to read and reflect on Joni’s life and ongoing commitment to Christ. “I find great comfort and joy in dying to self and living every day to serve the Lord Jesus and others around the world whose disabilities are far more profound than mine.”

We need all the spiritual pick-me-ups we can get, even when they’re wheeling by.