As the parent or caregiver of a child(ren) with unique challenges, you will have to make many critically important decisions. Which doctor(s) should you choose? Which course of treatment is best? How should you should approach a particular issue with your child's school? I submit to you, however, that one of the most critical decisions you will make concerning this journey is whether you will sink or swim.
"Sink or swim". It's a short, catchy phrase, but one that is full of meaning. Imagine, if you will, an experienced swimmer who is just about halfway through one of the most grueling races of her career. She'd dutifully prepared for the race and felt sure that she could win it but now, halfway through the race, isn't so sure. She'd underestimated the strength and endurance of the other swimmers and is surprised that many of them are still ahead of her at this halfway point. As her body grows more and more tired, she quickly loses focus and begins to fall behind. "I could just drop out of the race now and be done with all of this", she sighs. Will she allow her dream of victory to "sink" with her decision to quit or will she continue to swim and finish strong?
We, as parents and caregivers, must also decide if we will quit or finish strong. When you begin to feel yourself sinking, try not to thrash about aimlessly. Instead, quiet your thoughts and reach out to God. Ask Him to give you peace for your journey. Ask Him for guidance and a dose of supernatural faith as well. God is a present help and will always be there to come to your aid. Don't lose heart, no matter what the situation looks like! Just keep swimming, knowing that despite what things look like, God always has a plan.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Frustrating Week and Weekend!
Well folks, it's official. Raging hormones + ADHD = FRUSTRATION! I am beginning to realize the impact that changing hormones are having on my daughter. She really struggled to keep it together last week and so did I, though she seemed oblivious to the fact that I was having such a hard time. Perhaps my own hormones were raging a bit as well.....
"Lord, give us what we need to make it through each day. Help us to forgive quickly and love unconditionally just like you do. In Jesus' name, Amen."
"Lord, give us what we need to make it through each day. Help us to forgive quickly and love unconditionally just like you do. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Monday, October 17, 2011
"Oh,The Possibilities!"
"But as it is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
" I Corinthians 2:9-10 (King James Version of the Holy Bible)
When we stop to consider the enormity of our responsibilities as we endeavor to raise and care for our children, our finite minds can often paint a rather bleak and discouraging picture. Not soon after the ink dries on this picture, the "what if" and the "why" questions begin their assult with rapid and unnerving intensity. And then...we remember. We remember that God makes ALL things possible. We remember His promise to keep us in perfect peace if we will keep our minds stayed on him.
What a blessed assurance we have in God! He's promised to never leave or forsake us (or our children), and never means just what it says - NEVER! So when you feel yourself becoming fearful about what the future holds for you and your child, remember that God cares and He loves you both!
" I Corinthians 2:9-10 (King James Version of the Holy Bible)
When we stop to consider the enormity of our responsibilities as we endeavor to raise and care for our children, our finite minds can often paint a rather bleak and discouraging picture. Not soon after the ink dries on this picture, the "what if" and the "why" questions begin their assult with rapid and unnerving intensity. And then...we remember. We remember that God makes ALL things possible. We remember His promise to keep us in perfect peace if we will keep our minds stayed on him.
What a blessed assurance we have in God! He's promised to never leave or forsake us (or our children), and never means just what it says - NEVER! So when you feel yourself becoming fearful about what the future holds for you and your child, remember that God cares and He loves you both!
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Eagle's Wings
As parents of differently-abled children, it can be difficult to know when to pull back and "let the chips fall where they may" where they are concerned. We want so much for our children to be successful, that we sometimes offer too much help and support.
Christina entered the 6th grade this year at a local private school. The curriculum used at the school is fast-paced and quite challenging. I was apprehensive about enrolling her at this school in the first place, but realized that the alternative - a public school setting with upwards of 30 children in her classes, simply would not work for her.
At first, Christina struggled to adjust to the newness of her surroundings and the pace at which she was expected to learn. I have to admit that I was absolutely terrified that she would be overwhelmed from the start, and sink into a rut of complacency and despair. However, I soon figured out a way to offer her the right amount of help, mixed with healthy doses of encouragement and a pinch of feigned indifference to her nightly episodes of crying and frustration. To my delight, after only a few weeks, Christina found her inner strength and her self-confidence! Her grades, her mood and her confience have steadily improved since then, and the best part of all is that she knows that she is doing the work herself. Sure, I am a reliable presence for her while she completes her assignments each night. However, she now takes pride in being able to complete as much of her work as possible on her own. I offer her the structure and support that she needs in order to get her work done and she responds to that by putting her best foot forward!
"Thank you Lord for giving Christina the confidence to mount up on eagle's wings, believing that she can soar high above any problems she may encounter with her school lessons. Amen."
Christina entered the 6th grade this year at a local private school. The curriculum used at the school is fast-paced and quite challenging. I was apprehensive about enrolling her at this school in the first place, but realized that the alternative - a public school setting with upwards of 30 children in her classes, simply would not work for her.
At first, Christina struggled to adjust to the newness of her surroundings and the pace at which she was expected to learn. I have to admit that I was absolutely terrified that she would be overwhelmed from the start, and sink into a rut of complacency and despair. However, I soon figured out a way to offer her the right amount of help, mixed with healthy doses of encouragement and a pinch of feigned indifference to her nightly episodes of crying and frustration. To my delight, after only a few weeks, Christina found her inner strength and her self-confidence! Her grades, her mood and her confience have steadily improved since then, and the best part of all is that she knows that she is doing the work herself. Sure, I am a reliable presence for her while she completes her assignments each night. However, she now takes pride in being able to complete as much of her work as possible on her own. I offer her the structure and support that she needs in order to get her work done and she responds to that by putting her best foot forward!
"Thank you Lord for giving Christina the confidence to mount up on eagle's wings, believing that she can soar high above any problems she may encounter with her school lessons. Amen."
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