Being Thankful With a Child in Crisis
A time of thanksgiving and reflection is once again upon us. However, this year it comes with many challenges. Not only are we dealing with a national pandemic, but there is the added unresolved election, unemployment, and the school system in shambles.
If that weren’t the tip of the iceberg, you have a teen or young adult in crisis as well. How in the world can we lift up our heads during this holiday season and find the words to be thankful?
My youngest is still broken. She is still filled with hurt and pain and struggles every day with some serious issues. There are days that I wonder and ask God, “When will you heal her, when will I not have to worry anymore, when can I finally live a normal life?”
Well, here’s the kicker. Life will never be normal. Every day, I am thankful that she made it through another day. I am thankful that despite the many hardships and disappointments in life, I am thankful that my faith is not what it used to be – it is better!
For eight months I was out of work because of the covid. But praise God, even though it was difficult, I was able to spend time with my daughter and dive into her world a little more to try to understand the tremendous burdens she carries and what it will take for her get better.
I became more thankful FOR her problems because she educated me on how she lives every day in her mind. I would take what I learned and applied it to my knowledge bank so that I could guide and encourage her in a new way. I was and still am thankful for how God opened doors and brought individuals into our lives that specifically work in the areas of my daughter’s disabilities and struggles. God is good.
God never changes. Our circumstances change, our lives change, and God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. So until now and Thanksgiving Day, find at lease one thing to be thankful for in your life and include your child into that time of Thanksgiving. I promise, your spirit will be filled with praise, thankfulness, and peace in the midst of any storm you are faced with. Thank you God for your goodness!
