I keep my blog light and happy and don't usually share anything too personal, especially since this is not a private blog. Well since the last couple of months have been filled with a lot of heaviness, and a lot of people around me are hurting, I have not been in the sharing mood. Plus, most of these stories are not mine to share, but I hurt because they hurt. There have been days when I have asked and pleaded with God for some "good" news. And what I am learning is to find JOY in every beautiful detail of our lives. In those details, I have found my good news! I may have missed those details before, but right now they are crystal clear. Let me share with you what beautiful things I have encountered over the last few weeks...
I signed Gilli up for gymnastics after her teacher shared with me her struggles at school to do a lot of the gross motor skills that they are tested on at age 3. I knew that I could only push her so far, and I knew that it was going to take an instructor to do just that. She is overcoming fears as she climbs a ladder, walks on a balance beam, and jumps into the pit. I found myself teary eyed from joy yesterday as she jumped out of the van without my hand and without asking to be carried out. I know it sounds minor, but I love that she is confident and proud of her accomplishments and this mama is proud too! :)
Grant is playing basketball and has improved so much since he played a few years ago. He took a break and this time around he is a team player who can relax and enjoy himself. The fact that he is having FUN is just huge! I'm enjoying watching him play a sport, and that is huge too!!
Gerald went to Nicaragua a couple of weeks ago and although he witnessed a lot of heaviness there, we are excited to see the blessings that will come out of his trip. It is so exciting to see God work! When I say this I am giddy with excitement!
I went to an adoptive mom's conference last month called Created For Care. AMAZING is the only word I have for the entire weekend! 250 Godly women attended the conference with amazing speakers, stories, and sharing. You could feel the Lord working and you could see the passion for orphans in everyone's eyes. I felt BLESSED!
I can't leave out Grady! The child just brings JOY! He doesn't leave for school without kissing his mama. He also won't go to bed without kissing his mama.
And the one that is on my mind everyday but is very, very far away, Gia. I almost didn't mention anything, because there isn't anything positive to share. But please pray for the one that we haven't met yet and don't know when that time will come. There has been one delay after another, but this is what keeps us pulling closer to the Lord. And there is JOY in the fact that we are holding on to HIM and HE is holding our little girl! Yep, there's JOY to be found there too!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Finding JOY
Posted by The gFamily at 12:39 PM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
"And there is JOY in the fact that we are holding on to HIM and HE is holding our little girl! Yep, there's JOY to be found there too!"
I like that!
Continue those thought of JOY!! That was what our Christmas celebration was based on this past year. My mom reminded me how we had so much JOY in our lives and we so easily forget. God has always been in control, even when it is so hard for us to see. Hang in there. Especially for the adoption part. My family knows all too well about delays. But looking back over the past few years he knew exactly what he was doing....
I can't believe I didn't make the list of your small, everyday blessings. :) I do love you, and am blessed to know many of those "heavy" things that weigh heavily on you. And I know those are HUGE hurdles and painful road bumps you will endure. But it is a beautiful thing to see you also rejoice in the little pieces of life that are meaningful in their own special way. I am praying big time for Gia (and for your family). I know she would bring so much joy at a time it is much needed. I'm praying that despite the environment of Ethiopia right now, God moves that mountain. And on a smaller note, you didn't mention what Gilli's teacher said about her motor skills. I'm surprised to hear that, but gymnastics sounds like a wonderful opportunity to conquer her own fears and build some strength, too. Glad to hear Grady still makes you smile everyday, and Grant is also conquering his own hurdles. I love you. Hang in there. Continue to find the little things that make you feel joy, like Anthropologie and Pottery Barn (I'm being serious!) and feel what you need to feel without feeling guilty.
I don't know what your burden is but I will tell you that your family has been on my heart a lot lately. I hope whatever is wearing you down passes. Whenever things get really hard, I always tell Greg it must mean the Lord is leading us somewhere wonderful because the devil is throwing stuff at us right and left.
Thanks for the little ray of Joy! I know you can't see it yourself but those of you who watch you are always amazed at the light that shines from within you :)
i love your spirit and perspective on life. i missed your blog because it brings me joy and inspiration to live more intentionally. your faith is authentic and is is filled with hope! our family is praying for gia and for you all as you wait. . so hard!
darcy
Just wanted to say hi and that I literally pray for you and your upcoming adoption every day. It's always on my mind- especially first thing each morning- so I always stop to pray for you!
Post a Comment