“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13 ESV)
Paul’s disabilities remind me that I really need help. It is a gift that he encourages my dependence on God.
Paul, however, lives freely dependent. He doesn’t need any reminding that his needs are entirely met by others, and he is not embarrassed about that at all.
He really lives a remarkably anxiety-free life for the most part (he doesn’t like dentists and he doesn’t like to exercise). He has zero worries about his next meal, or whether he will have a place to sleep, or what clothes he will wear.
His joy is a pure joy, without guile. No baggage from the past and no concerns about the future; just an in-the-moment enjoyment. He’s a good example for me, and probably you.
And he had a pretty good birthday with people who love him.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
From Amazing Grace by John Newton
The Works of God 
I love to sing that verse of Amazing Grace to my daughter who has special needs.
I gave birth to a daughter with special needs a year ago. I can’t express what your blog has meant to me. I didn’t know who you were until I had my daughter and stumbled across you through John Piper’s twitter. Thank you so much!
Lovely day!