Before “special needs” made its grand entrance into our lives,
I walked in ignorant bliss, unaware of hidden treasure.
“Special” Needs – the gift that no one asks for ……
[Tweet “Sometimes the most #precious #gifts were never desired in the first place. #downsyndrome #treasure”]
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When Bethany was born and the genetic testing came back positive for down syndrome, there were no angels accompanying her arrival with the message of “Fear Not.” And I was so afraid.
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There was no star to guide us into the “light.” I stumbled forward in the darkness, seeking any pinprick of light.
Although- on earth, my heart was initially breaking-
in heaven there was repeating of sounding joy!
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For to us a child was given- a soul created in God’s likeness. God always has good purposes and a plan, no matter what her DNA or limitations might be. So our mandate- our calling- is to rejoice.
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For every child is a gift to be treasured!
Here’s a sampling of my JOY in the journey of Special Needs:
The joy of learning- I CAN do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
The joy of acceptance in WHO we are not WHAT we accomplish.
The joy of understanding God’s unconditional love.
The joy of constantly seeing through child-like wonder.
The joy of bubbly, hilarious, ridiculous, unfettered love and acceptance.
The joy of trusting God will journey with us- no matter what comes our way.
The joy of eternal perspective.
The joy of compassion.
The joy of understanding my own brokenness and the amazing restoration Jesus is willing to do in our lives!
[Tweet “The #gift of a child with #downsyndrome was the best #gift I never knew I needed.”]
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Though I wouldn’t have put it on my Christmas list or wished upon a star-
God knew exactly how much love and joy
a child with “special needs” would bring into my life.
Our lives.
Joy to our World!
[Tweet “God always gives the #best #gifts-even if at first, we don’t perceive the depth of treasure. #downsyndrome “]
Surprising Treasures: Isaiah 45:3 I will give you hidden treasures of secret riches, so you will know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by name.
I so remember that Summer when Bethany was born… JayCee was 1 month old… And I love looking back at my pictures of Jayc & Beth playing together the 4 years until ya’ll moved….
Thank you for your transparency! You have always been my “mentor” in so many ways – and continue to do so – even though you don’t realize it!
Love you all!! XOXO
I remember too! So many wonderful moments in our journey- You and your family have deposited so much joy and treasure in our lives! So thankful for you and your whole family! Let’s keep on running on races with endurance- and we’ll celebrate at the finish line! hugs and blessings!
We are all God’s creation… His special children, needing redemption. It’s just that some are “more special” and broken in different ways. Today, not knowing how or where to begin, I pray for every special needs child in the world. May they know the good care of God today.
I LOVE how you said that- some are “more special” and broken than others. May we all know the healing and restorative, saving, marvelous love of God through Jesus Christ!
Beautiful, Cindy!!!! I love this post–and your family picture is exquisite. Thank you for sharing your heart.
awwww thanks Julie- Jesus is always surprising me 🙂 He comes to make His blessings flow- far as the curse is found- praying you and yours have a fabulous- wonderful- joyous CHRISTmas! hugs
Sometimes the best gift is as Sarah told us when she was little, “This is what I always wanted and didn’t even know it!”