Thank YOU

As I think about Thanksgiving, I am reminded to pause and give thanks for the blessings in my life. I am extremely thankful for how God continues to provide and be faithful in every realm. However, there seems to be a continuous theme that God uses in my life to bless me. I haven't always thought of this as a blessing. There have been times where it has felt like a huge burden and even a punishment when trials would overwhelm me. By being able to look behind me I can see how He has continually allowed a life in which I cannot live on my own. This goes beyond my need for Him, but in the practical realm of his purpose and plan for me.

As a special needs parent, I have an even greater understanding of community. Needing other people or allowing ourselves to be vulnerable with others is not a common American theme. We are taught from an early age about pride, self-sufficiency, and independence. All of which are necessary to function as an adult. However, there are times in our lives when we realize life is not meant to be walked alone. Our circumstances may drive us to reach out to accomplish our goals or they simply draw us out of ourselves and free us up to love those around us. Initially, we feel like a failure because we are unable to do it all on our own. But, we soon realize we have been given a rare gift. When God gives you a task that is too much for you or makes you overwhelmed, knowing He has a plan, purpose, and people will provide the peace you need.

If only I could go back to the beginning of our special needs journey and know what I know now. God has graciously provided the right people every step of the way. He knew our needs before we did. A day that had initially been a tragic mark on our family map, has turned out to give us a life of great blessing. In every trial and struggle, we are reminded of our inadequacy and our need for Christ and his plan. It is a blessing to get to share our life with so many amazing people on a daily basis. Not only do we have an amazing team for Benjamin, but we have amazing friends, teachers, church family, and family. Without our community of loved ones this would be a lonely journey. But, what a blessing to need others. So, today I am thankful I am unable to handle this life on my own.

I want to say thank you to the many people who have and do love on our family. Your smiles, questions, prayers do not go unnoticed. They are my treasure and I am blessed by you! Happy Thanksgiving!

Rest

Rest. I love naps. Life takes on a new meaning after a good nap. Things seem a little clearer, less cluttered, and I have a better perspective when my body has rested. However, as life throws its curve balls or we spend ourselves on great endeavors or the normalcy of this life, we crave a different type of rest. For those of us who simply desire peace, we wait for rest to come when all of life's circumstances add up. There is enough of this and none of that. Unfortunately, happiness can be fleeting and life is fluid with its hills and valleys.

There has to be something that is constant. Something that never changes and provides a place of solace and peace. So often I run to God to fix my circumstances, change things, and provide answers. There are times that he does just that. But, what I have found even better than answers is himself.  He is the gift. His presence, His peace despite where life may take me. He is always fighting for me. He will not fail me. He loves me and especially in my pain He is so present.

We tend to look for joy and happiness through our eyes. Our stuff, people, money, and all other worldly accomplishments. Some of us grow weary in the fight, some keep fighting, but hopefully we all will journey to the end of ourselves and embrace our true brokenness as God pries our hands off what we think we need. The funny thing is we all are broken. We are made to need our God. It is in these moments that we are set free. Our freedom comes not from the absence of trials, but in the One who walks with us. Then, it doesn't matter where we walk, as longs as, He is with us.

Be encouraged today, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 'Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.' (2 Cor. 12:9) May you find true rest today. It is a path worth taking.