Raising a child with special needs has its disappointments.
A visit to the cardiologist reveals the hole in her heart is still there and could cause strokes later in life.
Disappointment.
A visit to the endocrinologist means more blood needs to be drawn, which causes extreme anxiety and trauma.
Disappointment.
A visit to the eye doctor and you discover her eyes are getting worse and a new set of lenses is needed.
Disappointment.
You're cleaning up your 8-year-old's third potty accident of the day.
Disappointment.
Birthday parties and social gatherings are a struggle because of sensory overload.
Disappointment.
There's the occasional mean kid at the playground who sniffs out vulnerability and takes it out on your kid.
Disappointment.
A new skill is learned only to discover a week later, it's mysteriously vanished.
Disappointment.
Yesterday's sermon was about disappointment.
A visit to the cardiologist reveals the hole in her heart is still there and could cause strokes later in life.
Disappointment.
A visit to the endocrinologist means more blood needs to be drawn, which causes extreme anxiety and trauma.
Disappointment.
A visit to the eye doctor and you discover her eyes are getting worse and a new set of lenses is needed.
Disappointment.
You're cleaning up your 8-year-old's third potty accident of the day.
Disappointment.
Birthday parties and social gatherings are a struggle because of sensory overload.
Disappointment.
There's the occasional mean kid at the playground who sniffs out vulnerability and takes it out on your kid.
Disappointment.
A new skill is learned only to discover a week later, it's mysteriously vanished.
Disappointment.
Yesterday's sermon was about disappointment.
The point was made when disappointments come in our lives, it's to serve one of the two outcomes for Christ's mission: to glorify God and/or make disciples.
Beth Moore says things happen 1) for God's glory or 2)your destiny.
Beth Moore says things happen 1) for God's glory or 2)your destiny.
The question to ask is not why, but rather "how will this glorify God or make disciples."
How does an extra chromosome glorify God?
Call it a Mom's bias, but I can't look at Maddie and NOT see God's glory.
I don't think you can look at the disappointments and not also see the blessings.
Yes, her heart has a hole, but she uses that heart to love passionately.
Sure the trauma of getting a needle stuck in her arm is extremely unpleasant, but she learns that she's strong and capable.
Maybe she is nearsighted and requires stronger lenses, but she sees things in people that I can't see with my 20/20 vision.
Yes, we are 8 and are still struggling with potty training...ok, honestly I'm having a hard time seeing the blessing in this one! (just kidding, at least all of our digestive systems are working properly, right?)
Social gatherings and sensory overload is complicated and difficult, but we are learning what it takes to be kind to our bodies and meet our needs (which in turn teaches us compassion for others).
Bullies happen to be a part of life occasionally, but what an amazing opportunity to extend grace and mercy.
Skills come and go, but although they may go, the next time around they come back a little easier than before.
Maybe I'm wrong but I believe this is a disciple in the making!
Disappointments are hard and they feel gross, but I hope in your disappointments you may see the glory of God and the work it takes to make all of us a little more Christ-like.
How does an extra chromosome glorify God?
Call it a Mom's bias, but I can't look at Maddie and NOT see God's glory.
I don't think you can look at the disappointments and not also see the blessings.
Yes, her heart has a hole, but she uses that heart to love passionately.
Sure the trauma of getting a needle stuck in her arm is extremely unpleasant, but she learns that she's strong and capable.
Maybe she is nearsighted and requires stronger lenses, but she sees things in people that I can't see with my 20/20 vision.
Yes, we are 8 and are still struggling with potty training...ok, honestly I'm having a hard time seeing the blessing in this one! (just kidding, at least all of our digestive systems are working properly, right?)
Social gatherings and sensory overload is complicated and difficult, but we are learning what it takes to be kind to our bodies and meet our needs (which in turn teaches us compassion for others).
Bullies happen to be a part of life occasionally, but what an amazing opportunity to extend grace and mercy.
Skills come and go, but although they may go, the next time around they come back a little easier than before.
Maybe I'm wrong but I believe this is a disciple in the making!
Disappointments are hard and they feel gross, but I hope in your disappointments you may see the glory of God and the work it takes to make all of us a little more Christ-like.
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