He walked across the stage in his graduation gown. Watching him from the audience was a surreal experience. I think anytime you watch your child graduate from high school, it is momentous. But, I have to say it is especially momentous when you weren't sure if he would live long enough to graduate. Cancer has a way of putting things into perspective.
He didn't want a party. He simply wanted his closest family members to join him for a nice dinner. So, that's what we did. I told him he could order whatever he wanted, and he ordered everything from appetizer to dessert. He enjoyed himself immensely (he always does when he gets to go out for a meal) and we left the restaurant three hours later.
The same week he graduated, my daughter moved into her own place for the first time. I just hung up from a FaceTime call with her, because she wanted to show me how she organized her new kitchen. I'm happy for her, but can't help but notice her empty bedroom every time I walk past it.
Its been a big week and my emotions are all over the place. I am not sure if any of them are even remotely accurate, so I am letting them do their thing, run their course, and hopefully I will stabilize soon. A mother's heart is a complex thing, after all.
The events have happened so quickly that I haven't had time to reflect, or more importantly, be grateful. God has worked within my children's lives so profoundly, and I want to be sure I stop to share these moments with Him. Both of my children are, after all, miracles.
My daughter, adopted after years of abuse, was so violent and self-destructive as a child that I can remember praying someday she would just be functional. She's finishing her Bachelor's degree in a few years, and will start her Master's program after that. My son, who drives all over the big city, was supposed to be blind after the last brain surgery. But, he sees fine.
How easily I forget God's miracles. These are big miracles, so I can't help but wonder how often I miss the small ones. Is He not incredible? Is He not so good to us when we don't deserve it? No wonder David wrote Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! (Psalm 107)
Today is Memorial Day, so I'm also grateful for the sacrifices of our soldiers today. There's so much to thank God for at this point in my life. At the same time, I flip on the news and watch the destruction in Ukraine. Every attack breaks the heart of the refugee families I am sponsoring, as they watch their city systematically destroyed, praying for the family members left behind. As my kids are growing more independent, God brought others into my life who need me.
I've learned so much about sponsoring refugees. Its about so much more than providing for their needs - although that is critical. They need to be accepted by Americans, and they need our time. They are trying to adjust to a new culture and a radically different way of life. They need someone to practice English and to stay engaged, no matter how hard it becomes. They need us to show up and have dinner, and to check in with them to see how they're doing.
Again, I'm grateful to have the opportunity.
Life is changing, but God remains constant. He is working so many things in my life right now. His plans are so much more fulfilling than anything I could have dreamed up for myself.
Happy Memorial Day. Don't forget to thank the One who makes all things possible today. He loves you so very much.
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