It can be hard to answer inquiries about life at class reunions Vicki shares her plans for this day.
“And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.” (Colossians 4:3)
Do high school yearbook predictions come true? Most likely to succeed, get married, have children, make a million. Did you ever read one that said: Most likely to become disabled? Who would predict that?
Not many attend high school reunions any more. Facebook keeps people connected. Others avoid reunions because they feel their life hasn’t amounted to much and there is nothing to brag about.
So why will I be going to a reunion? My husband and I will be attending my forty-one year high school reunion. Forty-one because I hung around with kids in a grade lower than mine since many in my class abused drugs.
I miss my friends. We’ve kept in contact once a year through Christmas letters. I yearn to spend time with them once again. It’ll be nice to see the old gang. I wonder what the opening questions will be.
“So, what have you been up to lately?”
“How’s your family?”
“How’s your job?”
“What’s new?”
Pretty sure no one will ask, “So, what disease do you have?”
Most of my symptoms are invisible. Should I hide them? Pretend everything is just wonderful? Paint a Norman Rockwell picture of my life? Isn’t that what people do at reunions?
Not me. I’ve decided to prepare for the reunion. Yes, that means buying a dress for the occasion. More importantly, it means planning a response. I want to seize the opportunity to give my testimony. Not just share facts about my life.
Maybe I’ll say something like: “At the peak of my career, I had to leave teaching. Symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) made it impossible for me to do the job. But God has used my MS to give me a new purpose in life. And to fill me with gratitude. I’m so thankful I can still see and walk. I don’t take that for granted. MS gives me the opportunity to witness God’s faithfulness every day.”
Maybe I should come prepared with leading questions of my own: “What’s been your greatest challenge? . . . What’s your life all about?. . . How have you changed since high school?”
How would you answer those questions?
Prayer: Dear Father, Help me use the chains of my illness for Your glory. Prepare me to tell of Your faithfulness and love. Give me the words to proclaim Your power in my life. Help me be alert to opportunities to praise Your name. Thank You for my illness because others will see the divine peace You give me in the midst of an uncertain future. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the Author:
Vicki understands special needs as a patient, parent, and professor. She has had multiple sclerosis since 1993. Her 31 year old son was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. She’s taught special education as a teacher, administrator, and adjunct professor. Through her blog, she reaches out to other mothers of children with mental illness. http://mentalillnessmom2mom.net/ Vicki wrote a picture book about bullying: “Heart Eyes: Beth and the Bullies.” You can find out more about that book by visiting her Heart Eyes website: www.hearteyes.net
What other gathering, life event, or activity provides an opportunity for you to share your testimony?
I love, love the lyrics to this song, “”You Don’t Have to Bear Your Burdens Alone” with Jessica King and Jason Crabb. How did they know this is how it feels when you are ill? Well, because as much as we may want to think we are unique and no one can understand our pain, people do understand many other kinds of pain. And we can all rely on Jesus no matter what we are going through. May it bless you. -Lisa
Hi Vicki … This is definitely one we all relate to – if not the reunion, then the ‘how are you?’ I would not go to a school reunion. For all the reasons you mentioned – I went to private school and I know there are lawyers, Doctors, famous models and even stay at home mothers among our class who, as much as I know it ‘doesn’t matter’ I really can’t face right now. Also I’m only in touch with one person!
So my challenge with the ‘how are you’ question is at church. I don’t want to lie – I am at the very bottom – but I don’t want to bore people stupid or come across as selfish! So – I don’t know yet, but I will think about it for Sunday!
Mouse x
Mouse, I am sorry to hear you are at the very bottom. Maybe, just maybe, there is someone at church that can relate and has been there. There are also some great groups at restministries for support. God bless You.
Vicki, Have a blast. I went to my 30-year-reunion in 2012 and had an amazing time. The second person that walked up to me said what is your story, because he had read my devotionals on facebook. He and I proceeded to talk about our lives and God. I had several more conversations like this throughout the night and am convinced I had the best time at the reunion. Enjoy, pace, see what happens and let us know. Laura
Dear Mouse,
I think most of us at Rest Ministires have been ‘at the very bottom’—me included. When I first realized MS was impacting my cognition I felt completely useless. I reasoned: if I can’t think clearly, I can’t do anything. Then came the challenge of how to explain my cognition problems and fears to close friends and family members.
Finally I realized others can’t possible know exactly how I feel except those who are experiencing the same difficulties. That’s why I love Rest Ministries. Here I find others who really do get it. I also find comfort in a God who completely understands.
When friends at church ask me how I’m doing, I know they really want to know so they can pray specifically for me. I’m learning to make my response short. It’s helped me to simply say how they can pray for me.
If people ask how you’re doing, it wouldn’t be selfish to answer. I’m glad you’ll be praying about your response.
With prayers God will lift your spirits.
Vicki
Dear Laura,
Your comment comes at the perfect time. We’ll be going to the reunion this Saturday. Just today, I was wishing we weren’t going. I’m afraid I won’t get an opening to share about my Lord. At the same time I’m fearful I’ll miss opportunities by not being bold. So your reunion experience encouraged me. It sounds just like how I hope mine will be. Would appreciate prayers!
Vicki
Great devotional sharing your boldness & faith, Vicki!
I must say that I’m kinda thankful that we don’t tend to have school reunions here in South Australia. Actually, there’s no way I’d manage going to one right now anyway, seeing as I’m housebound.
I only get asked “how are you?” by my family, my Dr & naturopath or a few close friends that visit me.
My main opportunity to share my faith comes here on RM in the Sunroom & through devotionals. Sending gentle hugs & prayers your way. Let us know how you go Vicki! God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Hi Kerryn,
Please pray for stamina and clarity of thought for the reunion.
I began this day more tired than normal. I woke early to drive an hour to see my 87 yr. old mom and her twin sister. When my husband took one look at me he said, “You better put some make-up on.” The sad thing is that I already had make-up on. No amount of make-up could conceal my fatigue. And after spending a day with my mom and her sister, I’m even more tired. The reunion is tomorrow. My husband will just have to prop me up in the corner somewhere! Just kidding…I know the Lord can provide what I need to honor Him there.
Together in His grip,
Vicki
Dear Kerryn,
Just had to say, Kerryn, I’m so grateful you’re a part of RM. Your encouragement blesses me (and others!) more than you know.
Vicki,
Praying that God will bless your time at this reunion and that you will be given the right responses, at just the right time. I’m sure your story will bless others if they really listen.
I avoided my reunions because I dreaded the question “so what have you been up to lately”, feeling that everyone else had done so much more with their lives, while I’d just been ill most of mine. It was very unexpected to find that 3 of my closest friends, did really want to get in touch again – even after 30+ years. We are meeting twice a year now and getting to know each other in the different circumstances we each find ourselves in now. I’ve not shared all I might have liked to with them, but maybe God will provide that opportunity in the time to come.
Blessings,
Fiona
Dear Vicki,
Late with this but just wanted to tell you I had the very same fears when faced with my 50th, yes I said 50th. Guess what; there is no amount of makeup to makeup with when going to ones 50th!!!! Just my dry sense of humor. We had all kinds of trouble just getting there physically after I changed my mind yes, no, yes, no!! I drove myself and my poor husband crazy!!!! Then, when we finally decided yes, we will take the motorhome, which I did not want to do since very fearful after really bad accident But said I would take a valium and just do it. Then, a few weeks before time to leave, some idiot kid plowed onto the back of our tow car and demolished it!!! Thank God, me or my neck was not in it or would have taken rest of my disks.
Long story, sorry, called son in SC to see if we could borrow the travel trailer to go. What a zoo!!! We were coming from northern FL to SC to get trailer and then long long way to get to western PA!!!! Fourteen hours!!! I was dead on my feet, upset, felt and know looked like a zombie but SO GLAD i went.
Met my husbands friend, who was always in trouble, at one point never able to go back as police would pick him up, not a murderer or anything, just juvenile stealing cars, etc. WHOA. Now a Christian with a beautiful Christian wife after about 3 or 4 wife’s. My cousin, has MS, I got to see him, my other cousin, (small little town) where we all grew up together. We are trying t keep up with cousin, and a few others but I have not done too well with that but hoping to establish email contact with them more often. This waslast Sept, 2012.
We shared about The Lord with husbands friend, it was great!!! We didn,t even recognize him, physically at first. Still good looking as he was a hunk in HS but now a good looking spirit filled new creature in Christ!!!
If that was the only person we would have encountered, would have been worth it all!! My husband was so excited and happy to see this transformation after not seeing him for 50 years!!
May you have a great time, opportunities to share about our precious Lord and give God all the worries about how you look or don’t look and know that God will give you the words, the situations , and His grace to really enjoy this reunion. You are an amazing woman, teacher, writer, mother, sister, daughter, wife and most of all, your love for God will shine thru to everybody you encounter, You go girl!!!
Praying for you today.
Love,
Patty
Dear Fiona,
It’s hard not to feel “that everyone else has done so much more with their lives.” I’m wondering that very thing. I’m also guessing that everyone there will be at the point in their lives when they’re wondering, “Is this all there is to life?” Their success may feel empty. I’d love to share a different kind of security: a sure hope in the Lord that brings perfect peace and lasting joy. Just don’t know if I’ll be bold. I’m a bit worried I’ll miss the opportunity. Witnessing isn’t usually my thing. I’m going to memorize your words, “I’m sure your story will bless others if they really listen.” Thanks for that little pep talk!
Dear Patty,
Thanks SO MUCH for your encouragement. It’s helping me as I’m experiencing those same last minute doubts (go, don’t go, go, don’t go…).
Thanks for sharing your experiences at the 50th reunion. I’m grateful God protected your neck when your tow car was demolished. When I read that part of your adventure, I didn’t think it would end happy. But it ended perfectly…learning your husband’s friend is now a Christian. I’m glad you shared that story.
Giving God all my worries,
Vicki
Dear Vicki I really enjoyed your words here, sorry I’m just now commenting, been having issues with my phone so not been able to post. Also not been able to type on computer right now. Anyway what a great idea to be prepared with an answer! Though I’ve never gone to any of my class reunions, I have really been frying to find a better way to answer that question when asked so that I can be truthful but also glorify God.you have really helped me do that in a positive way. I’m most grateful. I pray you have a blessed time and God grants you strength and peace for the reunion. Blessings Diane.
Dear Diane,
Thanks for your prayers for the reunion. God answered all your prayers for me: strength, peace, and a blessed time.
The music was played so loud we had to shout just to be heard. So, I wasn’t able to share about the Lord (in words). Hopefully, my peaceful presence, in spite of my MS, got their attention (and will open doors in the future).
Grace and peace,
Vicki
I have never thought to plan out my response or explanation about my health – not quite this way. I really like Vicki’s approach to both sharing her story, and encouraging others to share theirs, all for God’s glory!
Dear Kristina,
I learned the hard way to have an response. I’m often asked, “How are you doing?” Previously I didn’t have a good/God answer. Then 1 Peter 3:15 spoke to my heart: “Be ready to give an defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…” So I started thinking ahead of time about what I could say.
I gotta admit I’m not always prepared ahead of time. That’s when I rely on Luke 12:11-12 that tells me, “Do not worry about how or what you should answer or what you should say. For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”
“All for God’s glory”