“Vacations” are an interesting adventure for families in general – a break from the usual routine. Hopefully, a chance to hit a “reset” button on life. For those of us with special needs children, it can be a layer even deeper into the unknown. We don’t always know if fewer people will be better, or if more people will be welcomed.
On Sunday, we adventured to a new church to visit while away. We have always enjoyed trying new churches while on vacation – we love seeing how God is moving in other places. Sometimes, we picked churches where there were eleven people, and we were six of those; other times, we ended up at churches with mega-numbers.
This Sunday was no different. When we first walked in, I thought this might be one of those duds. The chairs were well-worn, and initially the crowd seemed sparse. I quickly repented of any first impressions. As the music started and the people came in, God’s presence filled the house. It didn’t take long for us to get lost in the music. I glanced to my right and Sam was smiling ear to ear, clapping and caught up in the worship, his “happy place”. In front of us was a young boy, perhaps five or six years old, looking out the window and waiting for his friends, yet singing along with the music, not missing a word. To my left was Jessica, swaying to the music and caught up in the wonder of it.
We can’t forget that it was Father’s Day, and the sermon encouraged the men to trust the process, ending with a prayer for all the men.
As they prayed for my husband, Dan, I knew that God sees him in the words they prayed over him that day. Being a special needs dad has its unique share, and he shines at it. I know he has done the best he knows how to do with all he has been given, and that’s all any of us can ask. I am grateful for his ‘yes” to our blended family.
As we all grow older on this journey, I am reminded of God the Father, who carries us through all our stages, and we trust Him in it all.
This morning’s verse of encouragement in my reading was Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am grateful and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (NIV)
If you are feeling burdened in this season, yoke up with the One who will give you rest and bring you to a happy place! ❤
P.S. Thank you @Mt. Zion Church for such a welcoming presence of the True King Jesus. ❤
SHEILA BOUCHARD 