McKenna at Christmastime--she has a heart of compassion that can inspire anyone if they allow it to.
Aaron may not be able to walk, speak or hear, but he knows to gently and lovingly protect his sister from danger..God speaks loudly through Aaron!
Getting to Church on a Sunday morning can be more overwhelming than anything else in our week. Knowing that everyone and their emergency bags complete with oxygen, tube feeding supplies, emergency trach change kits and suction machines all need to get out the door with us is exhausting. The van we take to Church is not that reliable and twice we have been stalled on the side of the road on our way. The stress runs high on Sunday mornings.
I love my Church and it's people. I am reminded of that each and every Sunday. Today was no exception. Isaac was very crabby today. I wanted to be in the "restless child" room with him but there were parents who must have decided their children were too sick to send to Sunday School and so instead decided to sit in the crying room. Not a good idea, people. Think about it. Three of our kids can't be in Sunday school because of germs and now we can't be in the crying room because of germs that are even more rampant and contained in a small room. But, I digress...
Why I love my Church so much...that is what I wanted to share. Today, I cried through the our Pastor's announcement that he would be taking an 8 month leave from the his leadership roles at our Church. With transparency and humility, he shared his need to take time away from all that he does that ultimately has given him international attention. He is stepping away from the "limelight" to work on issues within his life that will ultimately make his gifts and talents even more usable by the Lord. Wow, I love this man and his ministry. He is inspiring to me and is providing an incredible example to those who look to him for guidance and direction. The tears I cried, were tears of affirmation that my family is at the right Church at the right time in our lives. I love this Church. Each time we waiver over if it is worth it to get 9 kids out the door in the morning--I have NEVER been disappointed that we did.
Secondly, after Church we had a meeting with other parents of teens and young adults with disabilities. There is a vision that is coming together at our Church to begin a worship service for those with disabilities. The leaders in our Church recognize this need and seem to understand that this is not just about what we can do for the "least of these"...but what they can do for us at Bethlehem. I believe that the young adults with disabilities will be used by God to change this Church in profound ways! My kids with disabilities have such a heart of service...they have unique and precious gifts and talents and they are eager to share them. Again, I found myself in tears. Tears of joy that my kids will have a place to worship that will be at their level..a place where they can exercise their gifts to the Church body and a place where others can get a taste of the purest and most heartfelt worship around...coming from the hearts of those who are cognitively challenged.
It was an emotional day for me. We are struggling with Isaac. We are struggling with our weariness as we serve our Lord so imperfectly. And yet, we were refreshed and given hope that perseverance in our walk with the Lord will be rewarded. We are so thankful to have such a supportive and loving Church body. It was a good day.
