Like a new outfit that looks crisp and sharp or an old outfit that is so worn out it’s comfy and we wear it all the time….is often how we wear the banner of the special needs journey. How does it look on us? On you? Is our attire crisp and sharp or rather worn out?
Image from @carolineveronez on Unsplash
Let’s look at the ways we “wear” special needs and the caregiving we do:
Woe is me
Life is tough.
No one knows how hard this it.
My situation is harder than anyone else.
It’s worse for me.
I can’t take it anymore. I’ve done this so long.
You have no idea….
Badge of Honor
I’ll do whatever I need to do for my child.
The sacrifice is worth it.
I carry my cross.
A privilege
My child makes my day-every day.
I’m so willing to serve.
I’m blessed even in the mess.
A Challenge
I need to step up every day.
Sometimes it’s too much.
We can’t make excuses; we just do it.
It’s harder than I ever could have imagined.
A bother
I’m so done.
Everyone in the family is overwhelmed.
I’m tired of all the sacrificing.
What about me? Will it ever be about me and my needs?
An opportunity
Each day is a new day to get to care for my child.
Sacrifice is the blessing.
I count it all good to care for my child.
An interruption
I wish I had a minute to myself.
I can’t get anything done.
I need a life.
Will my mind and body every have a rest?
A joy
I am thankful I “get” to care for my child.
It’s hard work, but the joy I get back is beyond any of my work.
I’m so blessed to care for my child.
Each life has value, and this life is a joy!
An obligation
Always something I need to think about, do, take care of. It’s hard.
Wish I had it easier like some of my friends.
Not sure why this is my life.
A testimony to your faith in Jesus
I am so thankful the Lord chose me/us to raise this special child.
Trusting in Jesus gets me through each day.
Step by step He helps me; giving me all I need for each day.
Do you see yourself wearing any of these; or a few of them? Depending on which outfit you find yourself wearing, the question we must ask ourself is:
Do I need a makeover?
Only I can answer the question.
Only I can make changes if they are needed.
Only I can make it happen.
If we need a change in our attire – where shall we start?
Dr. Joe and Cindi Ferrini share their newest book: Love All-Ways: Embracing Marriage Together on the Special Needs Journey (order at www.cindiferrini.com). They are authors, speakers, and bloggers for several blogging sites on marriage, family and special needs. They spoke nationally for FamilyLife Weekend To Remember Marriage Get-a-Ways for 20 years, authored *Unexpected Journey – When Special Needs Change our Course, and have been interviewed on Focus on the Family, FamilyLife Today, Janet Parshall at “In the Market”, and various other radio and television venues. Connect with them at: www.cindiferrini.com and via social media at:
www.facebook.com/cindi.ferrini
Source: Special Needs Parenting- Key Ministry
