At our most recent dance party/game night I wanted to take a group picture. I wanted the picture so I could put a copy of it in a thank you card and give it to our current venue provider. I have to tell you through the years there have been many and I am thankful for each and every one of them. We’ve been meeting for over 12 years and there have been many reasons for change. A couple examples were due to time conflicts and growth.
No matter what the obstacle or change, God has always provided and blessed us with a place to meet. I would pray about it and something would open up, but it wasn’t without challenges. Again, no matter what, He always provided it because at the heart of what I do, it has been Him who has moved my heart to serve these families and more specifically these parents. These parents struggle like everyone else, but with much more to carry on their shoulders. He sees them in their struggle and took someone like me to reach out to them so they would know they are not alone in their life journey.
God often moves through people to touch other people’s lives. When my daughter Mikayla was born I knew of people who had children with special needs, but I never knew it personally. Ironically, I was also the person who would stand up for the kids who got picked on at school for being different or special needs. I had no idea I would enter this world until Mikayla’s birth. It is one of the most humbling experiences of my life. It has broken me in so many ways. I often tell others; Mikayla’s life keeps me close to God.
Do you know what it’s like to struggle almost daily? Most days are just that. Whether it’s dealing with medical issues or navigating the special needs world of care providers or care provider services, school protocols, IEP’s, ETR’s, therapies, doctor appointments, medicines, dealing with people who don’t understand or who are less than empathetic, it can be a daily struggle.
Just yesterday I was reflecting over the goodness of God. I love music and more so music that connects me to my first love, God-Jesus. I’ve been listening to “Heart of the Father” by Ryan Ellis.
The words go like this:
“I’ve never known a love like yours, so intimate, so powerful… and I’ve tasted and seen and nothing comes close.
I’ve never known a love like yours.
Jesus your name is power, it’s breath and living water, and your spirit guides me to the heart of the Father.
Let your praise ring louder, every day and every hour, cause your spirit guides me to the heart of the Father.
I’ve never felt at home like this.
Just like a child so innocent and I am safe inside your arms cause you won’t let go.
I’ve never known a love like yours…
Songs have a way of gripping my heart and taking me back to why I do a lot of the things I do. I’m often reminded over my first days with Mikayla. I call it a “whirlwind” first year. It became a whole new way of doing life.
In this reflection time I also consider the impact. All the years my family has served these parents and families. All the people we have met as a result. There are countless parents and families we have served over the years and also countless people who have helped us along the way.
I thank God for you.