A few months ago, I began to believe that God was trying to tell me something. I was reading in II Corinthians 1, and I just couldn't get past the first four verses.
Our journey with our little boy, Ocean, has built a day-by-day faith. We have cried, we have laughed, we have lashed out, we have trusted, we have succeeded, we have failed, we have been strong, and we have been very weak. Yet, through every test, every tear, every joy, we know that "God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;" has never left our side.
"Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort then which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God."
Knowing that God was with us, that He had a higher purpose, we chose to trust Him. But, I have to be honest, I really wanted to be able to see some of that purpose revealed here on earth. As I read these verses over and over, I began to pray that God would allow me to be able to comfort another in their pain, to be able to share my testimony and how God's love is all-sufficient. And, I believe that God was preparing me for just that.
Last week, a neighbor approached me at a play group. She began to tell me about her best friend, another lady here in my town that I have seen on occasion. This lady's name is Anna. Eight months ago, she gave birth to a beautiful little girl. This precious little one was just diagnosed with a rare form of Downs syndrome. My heart just broke as this friend related how Anna has seemingly shut herself off from the rest of the world, and is absorbed with her grief. I just wanted to shout, "I know, I know how that feels!" Her friend then asked me if I would be willing to reach out to her. I just looked and her and thought, "Yes, of course, Yes, God has already prepared me for this moment."
I feel so blessed to be able to invite her over for coffee and share that she is not alone.
"For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ."
Please pray that God will reach out through my words and Ocean's gentleness to touch Anna and her precious baby girl.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Everyone tells me that these 'toddler' years will fly by so quickly. It must be true if 'everyone' says it. My experience has been otherwise, however I try to remind myself daily that these years will pass by quickly and I want to enjoy every minute. These pics were from a wonderful, winter afternoon spent at Lake Louise.
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