I have always been amazed by the story of Helen Keller. By no fault of her parents, simply from not having the knowledge to deal with a daughter like Helen in the 1880’s, she was left to her own antics. She did what she wanted, when she wanted, and was in her own little world. For example, instead of sitting and eating with her family, she would run around the table grabbing food off her family member’s plates. She had no discipline like her siblings.
Why?
Her parents knew how to discipline. They were able to discipline their other children. The reason why was because Helen was blind and deaf. She did not see, hear, or speak after a severe illness. And she did not understand discipline.
Then one day a teacher, Anne Sullivan, came to help. She first taught Helen discipline by holding her down at meals and not allowing Helen to run around grabbing food off the other plates. Helen had to sit still and eat her own food.
We are all like Helen Keller at first in that we have no discipline. Not the discipline we most need. Even if we have had the best, or strictest, parents, we need spiritual discipline that only God can give. Helen received this discipline too. She later said about her darkened childhood, “I always knew [God] was there. I just did not know his name.”
Paul tells us in Hebrews 12:5-6, “And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
And also, like Helen, we have to learn to sit still, not running around like crazy. This is how we see and hear what God is telling us. Helen Keller learned to see and hear what was important in a special way through Anne Sullivan’s discipline. She also learned and WE learn to see and hear what is MOST important in a special way, through our spiritual discipline with God.
Do you know His name?
Happy New Year.
Unraveled Encouragement 