Seasons help us to realize we’re not alone. We might still feel alone but we can see things differently and then change our thinking, and even our responses. We know everyone goes through “stuff” but sometimes we need to recognize it just happens to be our turn. The harder part is that we still have someone we are caring for full time, 24/7 added to the new hard stuff!
For families like mine, with an autistic child and my own ADHD and anxiety, Christmas is rarely “calm” or “bright.” In fact, it is often loud, noisy, and overwhelming. Our children get overwhelmed by the lights and the new items. We, as parents, get overwhelmed by all the mess and noise. There are so many sensory inputs flowing through that you feel like you are in a never-ending vacuum of noise. And, that doesn’t even take into account that I’m operating on just a few hours of sleep after leading multiple Christmas services as a pastor.
Ruth saw a bright future for herself. She didn’t have an exact plan in front of her. But at 18, she vaguely knew what she wanted in the future: a master’s degree, a husband, a job she enjoyed, and children. Emma was on another path altogether. When Emma turned 18, she was already enrolled in a school for students with more significant disabilities.
Zechariah, despite being visited by an angel, doubted what he had been told, and so Gabriel told him that because of this doubt, Zechariah would not be able to speak until his son was born. So, he became unable to speak, and therefore unable to communicate through speech. What did he do? And what does his story teach us about people who cannot communicate by speech, or choose not to, today?
There were young kids, teens, young adults, even his best friend, all playing together, learning and laughing. But, there was no sign of my child. I searching the parking lot where everyone was talking and hanging out with their families; not there either. Here is where most people panic. But, deep down I knew; look with the younger kids. It was there I found him, rolling down the hill, filled with that bold childhood laughter, having the time of his life. No pressure here. No one asking him to make quick decisions he had to worry about in that football game. There was only freedom and joy. I want him to be something he isn’t sometimes, but I’m learning to start finding the thankful in disability.
Joe and I would like to share some thoughts that might have you thinking, “I could use a little help by going to therapy.” Whether your marriage is in a tough place, you're wondering if you’re doing the right things to help your children, or you have a special needs family and are struggling—consider therapy to get life in order.
Even though our celebration of Valentine’s Day has passed, there are things we can do every day to show we love each other and care for one another. It is a choice, but it takes work. Being a caregiver for our loved ones with special needs can put a lot of pressure on our marriage. Joe and Cindi Ferrini share 10 tips to strengthen your marriage.
As we reflect on our love for each other and God’s love for us this February, here are five verses and prayers to lift up over you and your husband or wife!
"Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope," Romans 5:2-4
God, our marriage doesn't look like what I thought it would when we were dating. But You knew the path we would walk together. Thank You for being there for us even when we didn't know how to be there for each other. Thank you for the lessons we learned in times of suffering. Help us hold on to the endurance, character, and hope we've grown in over the years. In Jesus's name, amen.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Eph. 4:1-3
God, there are times I don't walk worthy of Your calling on my life. That is most apparent in my home, where those I love the most often get the worst of me. Please work in my heart today and help me be more humble, gentle, patient, and loving. Help us set a time to talk about our personal triggers and what we can do to help each other. Thank you for equipping us to do Your will. In Jesus’s name, amen.
And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Col. 3:14
God, thank you for the partnership of our marriage. When we put on love and everything comes together in perfect harmony, we know that honors You. We ask for Your love and encouragement in the times we aren't in harmony. When we disagree or can't see things from the other's perspective, help us put on love and keep working toward that harmony. In Jesus' name, amen.
By wisdom a house is built,
and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
with rare and beautiful treasures. Prov. 24:3-4
God, You inspired James to write, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." We admit we lack wisdom. We are asking You to give it to us generously. Use Your Word, books, and counseling to help us learn and grow. Guide us to true and helpful resources. Fill our minds with understanding and knowledge so we can fill the rooms of our homes with precious and pleasant riches. In Jesus' name, amen.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4
God, you are good, generous, and full of grace. You pour out love on us every minute of every day. We can grow so accustomed to Your love that we sometimes forget what a blessing it is. Today we come together to exalt Your name! To magnify You! To bring Your love and blessings into focus in our lives so we don't miss them. Thank you for another week to love You and love each other! In Jesus's name, amen.
Sandra Peoples (M Div) is a special-needs mom and sibling. She and her family live outside of Houston, TX where she serves her church as the Inclusion Coordinator for Special Needs Families. She is also the Special Needs Ministry Consultant for the Southern Baptist of Texas Convention. She’s the author of Unexpected Blessings: The Joys and Possibilities of Life in a Special-Needs Family and cohost of the podcast, Self Care and Soul Care for the Caregiver. You can connect with her at sandrapeoples.com.
