In the early years of being a parent of a child with autism I found myself often frustrated by the messes I would have to clean up, repeatedly. Sometimes my frustration would overwhelm me to the point of tears. My daily prayers would be consumed in requests for healing for my son. I wanted him to get better so that my days were not so difficult.
Then one day I realized, as I was cleaning up behind my teenaged son for the fourth time that day, that I was no longer angry or frustrated – I was actually singing! Something had changed, not within my son but within me. God had given me the awesome gift of having peace within the storm. As people look on and wonder, how can I keep this up day after day and still be sane, I know it is because of the Peace of God that passes all understanding keeps my heart and mind through Christ.
While I was absorbed praying for relief, God was teaching me the lesson of peace and giving me the healing I needed.
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From your Faith Fights, Peace in the Storm article of March 21, 2014: I also prayed for Shelby’s healing. I prayed without ceasing for divine healing. For years I prayed…disappointed that the healing never came.
It was years later that I realized that we had actually been blessed with healing many many times. I was so blinded by the plans I had for myself and my daughter, that I didn’t see all of the blessings GOD had bestowed upon us.
As I look back to give GOD the glory, with every trial or medical crisis, HE gave Shelby a positive outcome – every time. GOD gave us the energy to press on, never accepting the limitations that were offered. And, when we were at wits end and ready to give up, GOD always reminded us of the wonderful support system of loving and caring individuals that exist. GOD gave me the strength and humility to reach out and ask for help.
Thank you Elisabeth for those encouraging words. I know that you know this “walk of hope” all too well. Thank you also for all of the sacrifice you have made over the years and continue to make to help the children on our community – your work has not gone unnoticed or been forgotten by others or by our Lord.