This post is, in fact, about nothing. Read on :)
I was having a conversation on the phone with a dear friend. We were catching up on the happenings in each others lives, but the main purpose was to offer my prayers and support for her family as they were met with unexpected circumstances surrounding her husband's health. The night before, I prayed about the conversation that we would have - that I would be able to offer support, yet point her to the true healer. Somewhere in the middle of that conversation, it was her words that pointed me to Him.
As we were discussing a future get together, we turned to discuss the kiddos as we often do (should we bring them or not?). She said that likely she'd have her girls there. And I quickly began to plan how I could NOT have mine there.
Why?
Well, quite frankly, this is where D struggles the most - playing cooperatively and appropriately with other kids. And it honestly fills me with anxiety to even contemplate having him play with other kids. Heaven forbid if they do not want to play Star Wars....
Without hesitation, this friend lovingly responded, "I WANT your kids there, especially if I bring mine."
And those words were enough.
Simply, I believe that we all desire to feel wanted. With those words, my feelings of anxiety were proved to be unnecessary - WE ARE WANTED. God tells us there is no need for anxiety -
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6)
That is how our heavenly Father feels about us - we are wanted, we are loved. And we are wanted no matter the circumstances surrounding us, whether it be difficult children, health issues, job difficulties, addiction, etc.
How can I be anxious about nothing? Because of who HE is.
Psalm 139 tells us that he knows us, He knows every word before it is ever on our tongue. He knit us together in our mother's womb and we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
So, I am resting in these words today. He knows me and my son, and he wants us on our best day and our worst day (and we have lots of worst days around here). There is NOTHING that is too big or too much for God, and that he hears our requests. We just need to listen for his response...
I'm thankful for such a loving friend. A friend who can put God's love into action with simple words of acceptance. If I fully rest in the fact that there is nothing to worry about, fear and anxiety will not have a hold on me, keeping me from doing things.
And I am going to bring my kids along for our next get together...May the force be with you!
xoxo,
Chele
There is a lot going on here lately and sitting down to write a post has been difficult. It's been difficult to find the time. But honestly, it's been difficult to figure out exactly WHAT to say...
In short, a quick summary would include that we continue to go to therapy sessions and psychologist appointments, and we have pushed forward to register D for kindergarten. A recent conference with his wonderful preschool teacher confirmed that he is academically ready for kindergarten. However, he continues to have difficulty in the area of social-emotional development. We do not have a formal diagnosis for him as of yet.
The longer version would include that struggles continue at home and in school with his behavior and attention to tasks. It would include the busyness of appointments that keep us running every. single. day. The baby is restless when we are not at home for his naps and this leads to poor night time sleep for him (and me). Potty training continues with our daughter - and she can be tough as nails stubborn. I am struggling with a feeling that I need to do something different, something more to help him. Mixed in with the struggles, there is joy. There is joy in the endearing way D talks about Star Wars - he will school you in knowledge of the characters and battles, though he's never seen the movies. I love watching D and his siblings interact, the way he leads them and loves them (and agitates them...). I'm grateful to be able to be at home to witness God working in each of their hearts. He is faithful, and I have seen that each step, as he provides family and friends (old and new) to share this experience with us.
And because I do not walk this road alone, I want to take a moment to express gratitude to all who are walking this road with us, helping us, praying for us, and encouraging us.
I have been blessed with a wonderful family, who on most days step in to help without me even asking. And when I do ask, they move mountains to come to my rescue. I am grateful to the friends who listen to me share my heart and my struggles. Dylan's teachers, past and present, work so hard to help him and encourage him along. And thankfully he is progressing.
More still, my heart overflows with gratitude for the man with whom I walk this road. He works so hard to provide for us, while he tends to the needs of others all day in his office. Yet he comes home to listen to me re-hash the craziness of my day while simultaneously overlooking the piles of laundry and dishes that I didn't get to during the day. I am thankful for his love and leadership.
Through it all, God carries me - and I know that he is faithful to his promises. His faithfulness bigger than any one of my struggles. And for that I am thankful.
Have a wonderful week - and thank you again for walking along side of us.
xoxo,
Chele
