Accept The Things You Cannot Change
I spoke with a friend whose mother had recently passed away and could tell their heart was heavy and troubled even though they knew she was in Heaven. She had been sick for such a long time and they were ashamed to admit it was almost a relief when she finally died. They didn't want to feel that way and thought something was wrong with them because of it. I tried to help them understand the relief they felt wasn't because their mother passed away, but because she was in no more pain.
As I prayed for my friend that evening, I realized that there have
been times when I've felt something was wrong with me because of my feelings concerning Justin. Even though I accept him just the way he is, there is always a part of me that would take away his disabilities if I could. How can I talk about changing him and in the same breath say that I accept him? The answer is this; just as it tore at my friend's heart to see their mother in pain, it tears at my heart to see Justin struggle on a daily basis. No one wants to see a loved one in pain or struggling in life and as much as we would like to "fix" it, sometimes we just can't. It's not a punishment or curse and we don't always understand why it had to happen; we just have to trust in God.
So in closing I want to share the Serenity Prayer with you and hope you remember it the next time life gets difficult. "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference."
Hoping this evening finds you filled with the peace of knowing that God is with you.
Angela :)
Beautiful and so true!! There are some things in life that we just can't fix for our loved ones, no matter how much we want to. We just have to pray and seek peace from our Lord!!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. The Lord is always with us and there to guide us if we are willing to seek Him.
DeleteHello Angela - just started reading your blog and it is so good to hear your thoughts and faith about your special child and family. I would love to hear more about yor experiences and any wisdom you would give to churches to help them be more accessible to families who have special children. I run a group for adults with special needs in a church and blog at www.includedbygrace.wordpress.com
ReplyDeleteLynn (sorry about being anonymous but I couldn't get my comment accepted any other way?)
Thanks Lynn, I have received your email and will be sending you an email shortly. Also checked out your blog and love it. :)
DeleteSo much wisdom Angela- we are walking between two realities- we embrace and accept the reality of our journey- knowing God is working all things together for our good and building strength, patience, and dependence on Him- BUT we long for deliverance! The Serenity prayer is perfect! blessings my sweet friend- thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cindy. I have read and reread the Serenity prayer many times throughout my life. This journey we are on is filled with many tests, tears and triumphs, but in the end it all will be worth it if we hold on to God and his unchanging hand. Hugs to you my friend. :)
DeleteWell stated, dear friend. My mom's birthday is in a few days...When she went to heaven after struggling with lung cancer for years, it was a relief! In my heart I felt a relief for her, knowing she was finally ready to go and at peace with leaving my dad. THAT gave me the peace I needed. Feeling relief after such a painful time is very natural, and God certainly understands our emotions. As far as your precious Justin is concerned, I understand that too. My precious grandson, my one and only, is autistic. And I feel his suffering so deeply, as I know his parents do. And yet I wouldn't change a thing. He is perfect in God's eyes, and in ours. Thank you so much for sharing! God bless!
ReplyDeleteBecky, I wish I could send hugs your way to maybe help ease the pain you've felt over the last few days. Take comfort in knowing your mother is in Heaven and that you will be reunited with her one day. I also thank you for sharing with me about your mother and grandson. It makes one feel so helpless in these situations. God Bless you for being an anchor in your grandson's life. You are truly a blessing. :)
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