The young woman and her grandfather came to visit New Danville, where I work. He has been a supporter for years and she wanted to learn more about the nonprofit for special needs adults. She currently volunteers at her church in programs for folks with special needs and wanted to see how a nonprofit for that population works.

As the three of us chatted, they shared that she has Lyme disease and her interest in possible volunteer opportunities would be predicated on finding roles that fit within the restrictions of her symptoms. “I want to make something good of my struggle with this (Lyme disease). I don’t want all the treatments and pain to be for nothing. I want to use whatever I have to help others in some way.”

After our chat, we went for a tour of the ranch-like campus. Her enthusiasm for our programs, clients and environment was palpable. Not once did she say, “but I couldn’t do that.” Therein lies the wisdom of the story.

Everyone has challenges; many dwell on them; many overly limit themselves because of their challenges; many turn their view of life internally; and, a few, like this young lady, understand that challenges shape us for service, they don’t eliminate us from it.