Archive Post on Perspective and Parenting

Good Morning Everyone,

And... What a morning it has been! (Any thoughts on where I'm going with this?) Well, I could go many different ways, but will choose to take a moment during my break this morning to share yet another life experience with you all and put it into the context of a Bible verse. During breakfast this morning a co-worker stated "Henry is so lucky to have Chelle and you as parents. You deal with everything so well and will give him the best chance at a normal life." To say I was a little speechless coming from this particular person would be an understatement. The truth in it all is that I've heard that several times over the last 5 months, but would have never expected it to come from this person who usually focuses on the negative of most situations. Also, reality is that Chelle and I have to take each day at a time. I think both of us would argue with you about how well suited we are for anything. Like most parents we barely get through some days (and nights) and pray that God will strengthen our resolve quite often. I, in particular have felt the pain of feeling like I've failed my boys many times and in many ways already, but somehow find it in my soul to dust myself off, get off the turf, and get back in the game. If it were not for my Wife's ability to run on empty quite often and us constantly trying to keep Christ in the center of all of this, we would be far worse off.

Now that I've placed all of that in context I will say that Henry is not lucky to have us as parents, we are lucky to have him as a Son. He has taught me more about strength and character than I will ever be able to pass on to him. I'm in awe of how he manages to work around not using his left arm to get what he wants. I'm also amazed by his spirit and fullness of life. That smile of his literally lights the room. To say that I'm comfortable with being the parent of a child with Cerebral Palsy might be a stretch, but I think I'm well suited for it through Christ and nothing else. God really started working on me hard about two years ago. He never ceases to give the answer, provide strength, and hold my soul when I need it and thus helps me muddle through somehow. The take home message I would like to give you is that its more appropriate for people to say Henry is lucky to have a Father in Heaven that will strengthen two believing parents to do what needs done to match his will. We are mere instruments of his Love and gain strength from the Risen Savior. Now for that Bible verse I promised related to all this (its from the Message so hold on if your not used to it):

Romans 8 31-39 So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose? If God didn't hesitate to put everything on the line for us, embracing our condition and exposing himself to the worst by sending his own Son, is there anything else he wouldn't gladly and freely do for us? And who would dare tangle with God by messing with one of God's chosen? Who would dare even to point a finger? The One who died for us—who was raised to life for us!—is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us. Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ's love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture:

They kill us in cold blood because they hate you.
We're sitting ducks; they pick us off one by one.
None of this fazes us because Jesus loves us. I'm absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God's love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.