Perspective

In 1986, Bob Wieland came in last in the New York Marathon out of 20,000 runners. It took him four days, two hours, forty-eight minutes, and seventeen seconds – which is amazing considering Bob ran with his arms!

In 1969, serving in Vietnam, Bob stepped on a land mine and lost both legs just above the knees. When Bob competes, he sits on a 15-pound saddle, covers his fists with pads, and runs with his arms.

Over his lifetime, Bob has completed many marathons. He is the only double amputee to complete the Kona Ironman Triathlon without a wheelchair. On top of all this, Bob also once ran across the entire United States coast to coast on his hands – which took him only three years, eight months, and six days.

What a depth of spirit! What an inspiration! This really puts my challenges into perspective.

If you think about it, it would have been easy for Bob Wieland to feel self-pity, fall into bitterness or despair, or give up on life altogether. Instead, he did not let his situation limit him or define him. He has fully embraced life as it is, and life has embraced him right back!

Let us pray: We thank you O God, for people like Bob Wieland – people who are an inspiration to us. In those moments when we feel self-pity, meet us in our challenges. Grant us an extra measure of your courage, and a new resolve to persevere – to overcome and to embrace life as it is. Amen.