I've learned so much about myself and about others. God has shown up in SO many ways and I couldn't be more thankful for all I have learned.
1) I've learned that FEAR is the believer's greatest enemy. It's hard to have faith when you are bound in fear. Fear can paralyze.
Isaiah 41:13 - For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear, I will help you.
Praise the LORD He flooded my heart with peace....peace that can only come from Him.
2) I've learned that God is God, and He is able. Period. No matter what the doctors say... God can still do “exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think.” Ephesians 3:20
Just because the doctors give you an option A and an option B... it doesn't mean that there can't be an option C. Thankfully, we experienced that "option C" the day before we came home from the hospital.
3) I must admit that at first, I was angry that Aspen was born with Cystic Fibrosis. Then God showed me that it was time I stop being angry and that I needed to stop demanding to understand what God was doing and why. It was time for me to TRUST God, even when things didn't make sense. Why NOT us? I've learned SO much about CF. I give thanks to the Lord that advances are being made each day.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
4) I've learned that God gives you STRENGTH that can only come from Him. I've watched Lindsey sleep sitting up, write college papers in the middle of the night, get by on 30 minutes of sleep, love on her baby with an unconditional love and NEVER complain. Oh...and do it all well, I might add. I've watched Chris work 65 hours in ONE week just to make ends meet. I've watched him sleep in small stretches so he could be available at the hospital when he was needed. I've watched him love on Aspen when he could barely hold his head up. I've watched them spend 38 out of 39 nights at the hospital in sleeper chairs (not the most comfortable place to be). I've watched them GROW into parents overnight with such strength and determination.
Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
5) I've learned that God cares about the small details in our life if we'll just trust Him with them. God loves us and wants to encourage us if we'll just keep our eyes open for His small blessings. So many days the parking garage was full, yet the parking attendant would allow me to enter anyway....only to find someone pulling out of a spot right by the stairs. OR, the friend that texts RIGHT at the perfect time with encouraging scripture and words. OR, the friend that shows up to visit and PRAY just when I think I might scream.
6) I've learned that you can encourage someone just with a simple text, message or call. Several of my friends text EVERY single day for updates and never grew weary of asking... even when I wasn't always the best to respond. I've learned that a small word or thought is all that is needed to make someones day better. I've learned that you don't always have to know WHAT to say to someone. A simple word can mean so much. I've learned that I will be a better friend in the future from what I have learned from so many.
7) I've learned we all have a choice when trouble comes knocking at our door. We can curse God and die, or we can trust God and grow. I'm hoping to GROW!
Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
I've learned (well...on this one I've been reminded) that I have an amazing family..... stronger than I already knew. I couldn't be more proud of Lindsey and Chris but I'm also proud of Danielle and Chris. They didn't miss a beat and rarely missed time at the hospital. Chris would run errands and do ANYTHING to help (even when that meant running "home" on surgery night....late). Danielle has an incredible ability to see a need before it becomes a need and DO it. Have I mentioned that I have the BEST husband a girl could ask for? He would do ANYTHING for any of us. I'm so thankful!
I'm reminded how selfless my in-laws are too. I'm grateful for Chris's grandparents and their love for Lindsey, Chris and Aspen.
9) I used to think I didn't get tired. I've learned I was SO wrong about that. ha! I am TIRED. Thankful for the friends that woke up in the middle of the night to pray for MY sleep.
10) I've learned...NO MATTER what is going on.... you don't have to look far to see situations worse than your own. If I ever needed a reality check.... a quick tour through Egleston will put things into perspective.
11) I've learned...NO MATTER how the day is going..... it's important to find the positive in the day and the blessings to count. It always changed my perspective.
I've learned so much!!!
Grateful for the grandmother I had and the example she set.... after her name (Ree Ree), I have become Dee Dee.
Grateful for a mother-in-law who loves me as her own.
Grateful for a daughter that has shown such incredible strength and belief. You are an awesome Mother, Lindsey.
Grateful for a daughter that is a mother... even though we didn't get to meet your little one YET, Danielle, we will one day.
I'm excited for both of you and what God has in store for both of your lives.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to my sweet girls, to my mother-in-law and to all of my wonderful and faithful friends that have kept me sane the past 6 weeks.
I love you all!
With a grateful heart for all HE has done and WILL continue to do.
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