We're All SICK Here!

Well, let me rephrase that, 3 out of 5 are sick, but Mama was taken down this time, so it feels like everyone.

I'm sure I'm not alone in my longing for Spring to come and stay. I'm tired of the rain, tired of the cold and tired of all the runny noses. 

Sickness has prevailed this year in the Richards household and it will not loosen it's grip. 

I think it started well over a month ago, before we went to Florida and got spoiled with the summertime weather.  That week gave us a little reprieve, but as soon as the weather went back down in the 30s and 40s all the symptoms came back.

I don't know about you, but when I'm not feeling good my sin really comes out.  I am less patient with my family and even the little things seem huge in the moment.

Take for example this morning.  After leaving Hannah alone with a bowl of yogurt a little too long, with only Suzi as a witness, I come back in the kitchen to find it on the ground, in her hair, everywhere.  Who knows why?  Maybe because she is one of the sickies, but also maybe because she just didn't want strawberry yogurt for breakfast this morning and that was her way of telling me.  So, after I cleaned the kitchen I scooped her up and put her in the shower.

Hannah being Hannah and balance not being her strong suit she slipped multiple times in the shower. This led to both of us becoming a little frustrated.  One because I feel like a 2.5 year old should be able to catch her balance in the shower and two since her processor was off she could not hear any of my instructions.

I hate when I feel this way.  I hate when I get frustrated at things Hannah does that she cannot help and probably would rather do better.  I want to set Hannah up for success.  Be it a slip-free bath time or not tripping down the stairs or the ability to communicate clearly with her.

After the morning calmed down, Suzi was napping and Hannah was otherwise entertained I sat down to listen to last Sunday's sermon on courage that I had missed.

"Take courage, for as you

have testified to the 

facts about me in Jerusalem,

so you must testify also in Rome."

Acts 23:11

Using Paul's life as an example, our pastor challenged us to have courage in unknown circumstances and to step out, in faith, with courage when it seems hard or unpopular.  

This sermon really resonated with both Keith and I, especially due to the events that have taken place in our life and family over the last 2 months.  Do we have the courage we need to go into the unknown full of faith?

As I thought through where I need to display courage my mind went back to Hannah.  

Do I have the courage to lay down my fears of the future to set Hannah up for success?  To believe she can do anything she sets out to even if it takes a little longer than the typical kiddo?  The last thing I want to do is hold my daughter back because I don't want her to slip and fall.  

After thinking through this and how the Lord is sovereign over Hannah's life I go to put the laundry from the washer to the dryer.  I turn around and here comes my mini me with stool in hand to help in the process.  

 

Again, when I start to doubt the Lord about my daughter's ability, He sweetly shows me how much she can do.  And gives me another glimpse into the person he created her to be.

 

I don't like that my daughter caught a virus that limits her ability and immediately put her in the special needs category.  But I do know He actively works all things (even the schemes of the devil) for our good and his glory.

I look forward to witnessing what the Lord will do with her life and pray that I will hold her with an open hand (and not get in the way!)

So, even when I am frustrated that my daughter may not be where others are who are her age, I take courage in the fact that the Lord is using her life for her good and his glory.

And all I have to do is cheer her on.

Sovereign Over Us - Aaron Keyes