I originally asked my friend Jennifer Jackson Linck to host Three Word Wednesday today because I was going to be out of town. And then my plans changed, but I was excited for her to host anyway. It’s summer, life is busy, AND Jennifer has a wonderful message to share.
Jennifer blogs regularly at Bringing Home the Missing Linck and is the author of a book by the same time that tells her family’s adoption story. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Jennifer has been a newspaper reporter and ghost writer. She lives in Oklahoma with her husband and son. In addition to her blog, you can connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Being the parent of a child with special needs is exhausting and exhilarating (all at the same time).
My son, Jackson, has Childhood Apraxia of Speech, a motor-planning speech disorder. He knows what he wants to say, but he simply can’t. His brain and mouth are still learning how to work together. Jackson also has Sensory Processing Disorder. His inability to talk and excessive sensory seeking can sometimes make typical 3-year-old activities difficult.
Recently, we both left a gymnastics class in tears. I had enrolled him in hopes that gymnastics would satisfy some of his sensory seeking needs. But the class was too overwhelming. I left angry. I questioned God. Why can’t things be easier for him?
I’m still learning how to go-with-the-flow, as a special needs parent. It hasn’t been easy for my Type-A personality.
We left the chaos of the gym and explored our favorite university campus. We splashed in fountains. We chased squirrels. We took selfies. We remembered that even on the hard days, there’s always something to be thankful for.
The other day our preacher posed a question that I want to pose to you: What if on the other side of your breaking point awaits the biggest miracle you’ve ever seen? {Tweet that.}
Walking out of the gym that day, I was sad and angry. I wondered if my son would ever get to do the things other kids his age do. I questioned whether I have what it takes to be his mama.
And then God reminded me that I do.
“… chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move us.”
“But we’re not quitters … Oh no! We’ll stay with it and survive, trusting all the way.”
No matter how hard things get, we keep fighting. We keep praying. We keep believing.
And you know what happens? We witness miracles.
The same week we walked out of that gymnastics class, I watched my son ride his tricycle by himself for the first time. It’s not an easy task for a child with Apraxia and we’ve worked on it over and over again. But that particular night, he climbed on that red bike and peddled his heart out.
I witnessed a miracle.
And at occupational therapy, where he’s working on fine motor skills, I watched him pick up a pair of scissors and cut paper on the first try.
I witnessed a miracle.
That week I heard him say new words; each one a miracle all their own.
Are you at your breaking point?
Hold on! Don’t let go!
“But Me, I’m not giving up! I’m sticking around to see what God will do. I’m waiting for God to make things right. I’m counting on God to listen to me.”
Your miracle is coming!
Want more insights? “Peace in the Process: How Adoption Built My Faith & My Family” is available on Amazon. Like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, peek into my life on Instagram, follow 152 Insights at Bloglovin’, or subscribe to receive “Insights in Your Inbox.”
Jennifer – Oh how I LOVE this post! I've been there like you in SO many ways! I was born blind in one eye, severe hearing-loss, cardio issues and a short/smaller right arm and hand. I had so many challenges to overcome. I am now married with three kids, two of which have special needs. Our minivan is rocking with miracles! I LOVE your vision and passion! I'd really like to connect too!
"Our minivan is rocking with miracles!" –> LOVE that, Bethany!
Jennifer, your story is precious! Believe me, I'm right with you celebrating Jackson's accomplishments. My daughter, Sierra, who just celebrated her twenty-fourth birthday, has Down syndrome. It has been such a blessing to rejoice in her accomplishments, especially when they were long-coming and no matter how seemingly small. I will not dishonor the challenges you and he will face, because they are certainly present, but you know that you are both complete in Christ – you and Jackson will accomplish miracles! I hope you have a wonderful week. Thank you for sharing your heart.
A beautiful, encouraging & powerful post. May we not ever let go but hold onto the One who is able!
Jennifer, this just makes me smile big. Just awesomeness. Because God is always doing something good. That doesn't mean there won't be hard stuff but I love the reminder that just on the other side of hard (your breaking point) awaits the biggest miracle you've ever seen. Many blessings to you and your beautiful family. Love you so much. So good to see you here at Kristin's because ya know I just love you both much!!
Jennifer – poignant and SO FULL OF HOPE. Wonderful testament of God's never-ending faithfulness.
You're the sweetest, Beth. xoxo
Oh what awesome encouragement this is! So happy for the miracle at work in your son and in you as you keep persevering and watching God work.
Hi Jennifer, this is so beautiful! Thank you for sharing your testimony. Amen! Miracles happen everyday.
many Blessings to you Jennifer.
Thanks Kristin for the linkup.
"Don't let go!" Yes, God is in our midst and brings His miracles about in His plan, in His time.
Thank you, Jennifer, for encouraging my heart today. I hold you and your son and family in my prayers.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thank you so much Linda! Your prayers are greatly appreciated. 🙂
Thank you for your kind words! Blessings to you, too!
Thank you Melody! Some days are definitely easier than others, but we keep on keeping at it! God is always faithful! Thanks for taking the time to read my post.
Thank you Susan!
Beth – you made me cry! Because today is one of those hard days when I feel sad and I want to give up. When I need to read my own words over and over again. I'm so blessed to know you and call you friend! Thank you for always encouraging me! xoxo
Thank you! I'm definitely holding on today! It's one of those days, if you know what I mean!
Thank you for your kind words Janet! We definitely celebrate every victory, even those that look so small to others. Have a great day! Thank you for stopping by and encouraging me today!
I agree with Kristin! "Our minivan is rocking with miracles" is the best thing I've read all day! I'm so glad you stopped by today Bethany! You are an inspiration and you've encouraged me today – because today is a tough day and I'm feeling sad. Thank you for your kind words! Have a great day!
I believe God gives us what we need, just when we need it, but not before. Otherwise we wouldn't go to Him for our daily bread. This has been true in my life. You have everything you need to be his Mama. Remember – God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called.
Jennifer, I am leading an onlihe Bible study, and last night (before reading this post), I posted an icebreaker: "Have you ever witnessed a miracle." I had to smile when your words here popped up in my reader this morning. I will be sharing this with my Bible study friends. 🙂
Kim – you are so right! I definitely couldn't do any of this without Jesus!
God is so full of surprises! Thank you for sharing with your Bible study friends and for taking time to comment today! Have a great day!
Such incredible encouragement – thank you for sharing your miracles and the brave steps you are taking as you hold fast and watch them unfold. We sometimes forget those little miracles that God brings in what seem like the mundane moments – we truly have much to be thankful for and much to hold on to in our great God!
Thank you Tiffany! It's true…there is magic in the mundane 🙂
I love that, Lyli!
Dear Jennifer,
I cried as I read your post today. I smiled as I read your words. I said, " Amen" when I read the miracle moments. I, too, am a mom of a special needs child. I could identify with all you shared… and yes, those little miracles, sometimes we see the simplest blessing that results as we wait and hope and eagerly look for His handprint in the middle of our hard moments.
Just want to encourage you. In all the hard times, in all the broken moments, there were many miracles that made me see His handprint so clearly. I don't think I would have seen it, or known that sweet joy, had I not had to experience the breaking that came with the difficult.
Thank you for sharing!
Bless you
Dawn
Dawn – Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement! I so needed to read them today! It's been a hard week. A week of feeling sad and alone. But I'm keeping my eyes on Him. I'm choosing to remember all those miracles and believe there will be many more to come.