Oh how I hope that you all had a wonderful Christmas! As we unwind and
head into the new year, I know that many can relate to what has become a
reality in our family… life with a family member who continues to suffer from
severe disabilities, whether TBI, chronic pain or other limitations. This life
requires planning and often forgoing some visiting and special gatherings and purposefully
seeking (and hopefully finding) peaceful / quiet moments in between the rush.
It means sometimes disappointing friends and family and juggling
responsibilities with what’s best.
It means pushing through, sometimes knowing that it could take days to
catch up from the effects and weighing which experiences are worth the risk of
setbacks.
It means not wanting your loved one to miss out, but realizing that there
are times when it is better, in the big picture, to go on ahead without them.
It means aching inside because you're feeling helpless as your loved one struggles, and just wanting so bad to take away the pain and wiriness.
It means being so very thankful for wonderful kids who get it and actually
like spending quiet time at home with mom and dad.
It means slowing down… which means time to reflect on all we have to be
thankful for and for the gift God sent so many years ago… which truly is the
reason for the season.
I pray that you too will find joy in the simple things and be filled with
peace as you reflect on all that you have together – rather than anything missed,
undone, or declined. May you have abundant joy and not let the burdens of this
life overwhelm you. May you find rest and be encouraged in the fellowship of
others who understand the road you travel. May the coming year be filled with
blessings, smiles, love, and plenty of those quiet moments in between!
❤️
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