Look With Your Eyes Open

“Look with your eyes open” That’s one of my most common phrases. I just can’t help myself, when my kids are standing on-top of what they are looking for, and can’t find it. It seems ridiculous to me that they can’t find the shoes that are right on the shoe rack! “No not the bottom shelf the top shelf! Right there! Ug.”

It’s so frustrating that on a daily basis I have conversations about telling them to use their eyes as they look for something. I know my mom had this same conversation with me when I was young, as do most moms. The fight is real.

I’m not sure if we are just more observant as adults, or if it was all the conversations that our mothers had with us to “look with your eyes open” as kids, that makes us more able to find things. Whichever the case, someday I think my kids will be able to find their own shoes. I really hope for their future spouse’s sake too.

In the fight of teaching kids how to find things, I was humbled. I started wondering how many times Father God has wanted to say to us, “Jenny the path is right in front of you. No, right in front of…”

Let’s be honest, we aren’t always the most observant when God is trying to point something out to us, at least I’m not. Sometimes God has had to hit me upside the proverbial head to get my attention. Then as I’m rubbing my head thinking “ok ok, I know, I’ve got it now,” I still can question my next step.

The path seems to be right in front of me when I’m paying attention. When I let the outside world distract me, that broad path God provides seems to be lost.

Just like when my kids are concentrating on what they are trying to find, miraculously, they can find it. Although, when they let what’s going on around them start influencing their concentration. It’s a lost cause.

The easiest way to hear from God and where your path should be is daily prayer. Stay focused on God and you will always be able to find your path. Easier said than done, I know. Just think how hard it is for a five year old to find what is right in front of them. We need to give our kids gentle guidance as our Father has given us.

Where’s The Path

“The Lord Himself goes before you

and will be with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

So I was at my oldest daughter’s band concert. The auditorium was packed full of parents for the band and chorus students. My husband, father-in-law, and I were way in the back. We found a sitter for the younger four kids because band concerts are not the most exciting thing for them, and two of them don’t sit well even when things are exciting.

Anyway, during the performance there were a couple of noises from someone up at the front that was special needs. I kept finding myself holding my breath. I prayed that the person with the adult making the sound would not remove him. I found myself worried that he might be removed.

When I became cognoscente of what I was doing, I started thinking about why I was so worried. Then it came to me, that I wanted that person to pave the way. Let me explain, I get embarrassed when my children make noises when they shouldn’t. I’m not talking about “typical” kid noises, I’m talking about the noises that some would call an interruption.

I’ve shared that my middle daughter has autism. Though she is non-verbal she does make sounds, very LOUD sounds. That can be very distracting, especially to other people who aren’t use to them.

I don’t mind when other peoples loved ones do something beyond their control. I like to see them out in public. I feel happy and relieved because I want these special souls to be accepted in public. Yet when it comes to my own children, I get embarrassed when I get those stares from other people.

I know that God has gone before me. I know in my heart He loves Kathy and has a plan for her.

When I get in pubic though, I’m looking for other parents of special needs to help pave my way. This concert taught me a couple things;

1. That I need to find a way to let other special needs parents know they are not alone
2. That I need to fully lean into God during those embarrassing, worrisome moments that happen when we are in public.

See poor, sweet Kathy loves hair – it’s a sensory thing. She loves to try to eat other kid’s hair. I know it’s really gross; we’re working on it people, we’re working on it! Anyway, we were at one of those bounce house places for a MOPS playdate, and there was a little blond boy that looked very much like my youngest son. Kathy got really excited when she saw the back of this kids head and ran right up to his head and bent over to start licking. I assure you it’s not ok but it’s a process to get her to stop especially when my youngest son usually lets her do it.

This kid freaked! I don’t blame him I would have too! I felt so bad for this little boy who had no idea why there was drool on the back of his head. I didn’t know what to do but apologize to the mom and explain that he looks like her younger brother. She said it was ok and smiled and then I could tell she did one of those thoughts like “Wait so she licks and eats her brother’s hair and that’s ok?”

Even today, I was self-conscious about my daughter. Thankfully, the mother was very nice (because I’ve definitely had my fair share that have not been nice.) Yet her poor son was in tears. All because of my Kathy. The steps of what to do are unclear.

Wrapping up here, I didn’t grab my kids and run from the building (yes I have done that before). This time I stayed.

Baby steps are necessary for me. I do pray that one day I can bring Kathy to a function and not stress or be afraid of what others will say. I pray to not only know that God has gone before us, but that He is holding our hands, even through the embarrassing parts.

Take A Breath

“He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3

Moms need to be restored too.

As a mom I feel like I don’t deserve a break.

Especially as an adoptive mom. I went into motherhood with my eyes wide open. So does that mean that I should never have a breather? Does it mean I can’t slow down this treadmill of motherhood?

Well in some ways yes, I never take off the mom hat. That doesn’t mean I don’t need time for restoration and renewal.

I’ve touched on this before with a blog about taking time with Jesus. I am reminded that, as this winter seems to be never ending, time to restore is so much more than going to the bathroom by myself. Though that would be nice too.

When I read Psalm 23:3 I think about how sweet that sounds, to be “restored.” God restores us. We need to let Him. Meditating on His word, praying, worshiping, singing, and anything that makes your soul connect with Gods can renew you.

Sometimes when dealing with my very tiring children I feel drained. Almost as if I don’t have another ounce of energy to spare.  Though it’s funny, because before I had kids sometimes my job and school made me feel that same way. In reflecting on my life I think we tend to let the hustle and bustle dictate where our energy goes.

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in this world. Letting the appointments on your calendar dictate where your energy goes. I beg you to take a breath. Stop for a moment. Know that you deserve a moment to sit still and meditate on God’s Word. He’s got lot of great things in His book, The Bible.

The Psalms in particular were a big favorite of mine when I was younger. Tons of good quotes to help you ring up your mood.

No matter where you are in your walk, if you’re a parent or not, meet God today. Let Him restore you this week. It will put any decision, problem, or screaming child in a better perspective.  With God’s help, your soul can be restored.