I definitely think one thing I learned quickly after bringing home our precious SN angel is that I could not be everything to everyone all the time ... If God was truly calling us to this journey that was hard, came w/ many sleepless nights, required more in a day than I had, and required all of us in the family to give unconditionally of ourselves to help Maggie heal, adjust, and learn to love then there were going to be times we needed help ... Help to get the kids to and from places, help w/ meals, help with house cleaning, help w/ doctor's appointment, and help w/ going to the store, etc ... If He called us to this then He called others to walk alongside of us and for the first time in my life I gave up that control that I COULD DO IT ALL ... We are the body of Christ and I would have been robbing someone else of their blessing if I denied them access into our world and life. People wanted to help, they wanted to serve us, and they desired to be obedient to the Lord in doing so ... The calls always came at just the right time and we accepted ... People loving on us and helping us made a huge difference in the adjustment for Maggie ... Because of other's wanting to help, we could focus that energy on helping Maggie to adjust, attach, and learn to trust ...
So my advice would be to take people at their word when they say, "Can I pick up anything at the store for you, Can I organize meals for your family, Can I pick up a prescription, Can I sit w/ you today and hang out, Can I pick your kids up at school today, Can I babysit for you while you go to the doctor, Can I fold your laundry, Can I pray for you (be specific), or Can I just drop you off a diet coke and chocolate." Accept kindness and allow the body of Christ the ability to do its mission, IT DOES NOT MAKE YOU A FAILURE TO REQUIRE HELP, IT MAKES YOU A CHILD OF GOD ... We can not stand alone, but when we stand together there is amazing strength ...
Blessings to all !!!!
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Thank you, that was a beautiful post. We as Mamas need that reminder. To do the work God has put before us we must allow Him to send helpers. Thanks for such a timely message! God's blessings, Sarah :D
ReplyDeleteWell said, Gwen :) Coming home with a new child is TOUGH... I think often we focus so hard on MEETING our child, holding our child, that we don't plan well for coming home WITH our child.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know I'm not the only one who occasionally indulges in chocolate with my Diet Coke ;)
Well said. You must have some amazing friends too! We had wonderful meals, but I've not had any offers to just come and sit! WOW!!!
ReplyDeleteA nice reminder for us all around!
I am learning this same lesson through our journey with our SN daughter. I always thought I could (or should) be able to handle it all. But I am learning that it is OK to accept help. And I look foward to a time when I can be the one offering help again.
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