Progress – Looking Back

good work sticker

good work sticker
My Charlie yesterday was recognized at his school (of which I am the Director also) for how hard he has worked. I think as parents of kids with unique needs there are so many things we are tackling daily all at once. Once something is mastered that has taken months or years, you are already working on the other things. Sometimes I start, stop, start, stop with different skills. It can be exhausting and it can be such a blessing. I know when I looked at his standardized testing results this week it was tough. Another reminder for me that he is not where his peers are, but instead of dwelling on this I have to think how far he has come and accomplished. This last year especially he is expressing more about what it feels like to struggle with these different things or what it felt like years ago when he wasn’t able to express it as much. I want my son to be proud of who he is, proud of how far he has come. I am so blessed to be his mommy:) I love you Charlie, Mom

ONE DAY AT A TIME

one day at a time

2 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

One Day at a Time. Say it again. One Day at a Time. Say it slower. One- Day- at- a -Time. I think we all need to be reminded of this. As parents of children with unique needs our lives are filled with so much, our hearts are hurting at times, we are weary, and we are always looking forward to what will be. I am personally guilty of looking too far ahead and not focusing more on the here and now. It is so easy to do.

I am really bad at the “what if’s and the “what will’s”. I am going to be honest here. I sometimes have thoughts of “what if he doesn’t graduate with a regular diploma”, “what if he doesn’t make friends”, “what if something happens to Tony or I, what will happen to Charlie?”. Those are just a few. I have learned and am continuing to learn to just take One Day at a Time. Sometimes it may be one minute depending on your day.
This last week has been a tough week for me. I am very busy at work. My daughter is going to graduate high school soon. Her brother Charlie was having a tough week. Their relationship is awkward at times. My house is a mess. I am trying to get my taxes done. The laundry is piling up. My husband needs my attention. My son with autism needs braces. My allergies are at an all-time high. You know, the normal life… I have letters stenciled on my bedroom wall that say: One Day at a Time! How come this is so hard to do?

I read a devotional every day by Sarah Young called Jesus Calling. About a week ago this is what my devotional was reminding me to do: take One Day at a Time.
I AM WITH YOU AND FOR YOU. You face nothing alone – nothing! When you feel anxious, know that you are focusing on the visible world and leaving Me out of the picture. The remedy is simple: Fix your eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. Verbalize your trust in Me, The Living One who sees you always. I will get you safely through this day and all your days. But you can find Me only in the present. Each day is a precious gift from My Father. How ridiculous to grasp for future gifts when today’s is set before you! Receive today’s gift gratefully, unwrapping it tenderly and delving into its depths. As you savor this gift, you find Me.

I just want to encourage you today to fix your eyes on what is unseen and trust in Him to supply all your need. Breathe in, Breathe out. You may have to squeeze a ball or something too , but take One Day at a Time. He already has it all figured out. God loves you so much and He understands all your anxieties and fears. He just wants you to come to Him and rely on Him to meet your needs and trust in Him. I really needed to be reminded of that today.
God Bless You!

Patty:)

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