Everyday joys in the midst of struggles...

Last week, we were able to attend a few hours of the 1st Disability Conference at Bethlehem. Greg Lucas, who is my favorite blogger (and now my favorite speaker!) on disability was a part of the conference and I was so excited to hear him. It was so refreshing..so renewing to sit in a room alongside of so many others who have a heart for those who struggle with disability...who share in the paradox of joy and sorrow coexisting within one heart and mind. Dr. John Piper spoke of that paradox beautifully...and even though I left with just having experienced bits and pieces of the whole conference...the nuggets of truth I heard have renewed my spirit. It was just what I needed since I returned home that day to the sage of Jordan's extended "disappearance" from our home.   God's timing is so perfect..even when we may not always think so..He is good.

And in the midst of our struggles, we have such joy. We are busy with the kids always...with birthdays (those have a way of popping up every year!), and football games, and theatre productions, special olympics bowling, frog catching and all around family stuff. For each struggle that we face, their are 10 little triumphs to be celebrated...and our eyes are more open to see them all.

We are reframing our reality as it is now. There will be more struggles ahead..there are incredible struggles right now that we are facing...and yet we can see the bigger purpose...we are standing solidly on our feet again...and our dependence on Christ is has grown beyond our imagination. God has been so faithful. I feel like our vision has cleared and we can see the big picture...we can see the Hand of God. And it is good...

"Create in my a pure heart O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me..." Psalms 51:10