I scanned the field looking for my child as a group of all ages played football. There were young kids, teens, young adults, even his best friend, all playing together, learning and laughing. But, there was no sign of my child. I searching the parking lot where everyone was talking and hanging out with their families; not there either. Here is where most people panic. But, deep down I knew; look with the younger kids. It was there I found him, rolling down the hill, filled with that bold childhood laughter, having the time of his life. No pressure here. No one asking him to make quick decisions he had to worry about in that football game. There was only freedom and joy. I want him to be something he isn’t sometimes, but I’m learning to start finding thankfulness in disability.

Finding Thankfulness in the Small Things

Some days finding thankfulness starts with the small things right in front of me, a bedside fan, comfortable shoes, tasty chips. Do I have bigger things to be thankful for? Of course I do. I am beyond grateful to God for incredible things in my life. Some days I have to start with the small. Before I know it, I remember who is in control of it all, big and small.

Finding thankfulness when there’s been a cure, praises when hard situations have been narrowly avoided, or hands raised to Jesus when there is finally success in the life of disability can often be heard or read on the church praise lists. Yet, being thankful when the IEP discusses lifelong plans, when there is no cure on the horizon, or when there is joy found on a hillside of kids way out of their age group; here is where God calls us to give a sacrifice of thanks that truly honors him (Psalm 50:23).

“Make thankfulness your sacrifice to God, and keep the vows you made to the Most High. Then call on me when you are in trouble, and I will rescue you, and you will give me glory.”

(Psalm 50:14-15 NLT)

Finding Thankfulness in God’s Path

The thing about sacrifices is they aren’t easy. A life that honors God rather than myself, might hurt more than a little at times. That’s sacrificing. I’m pretty sure Israel didn’t think it was easy either. God is doing a lot of rebuking and tearing apart in Psalm 50. But, this Psalm goes on to say if we can keep to this path, God’s path of thanksgiving, this is where he will reveal the salvation of God.

The days of disability can feel a lot like the days of Israel sometimes, a lot of rebuking and tearing apart on all fronts. Finding thankfulness in these days of What-Ifs can be an uphill battle — if I keep the focus on myself or my child. Turning my focus, my joys big and small, and thankfulness even in disability to God and his path, is where he says deliverance and the salvation of God will be found (Psalm 50:15,23).

Stephanie McKeever writes with honesty & levity about disability & grief, and guides towards the goodness of God throughout. You can find her feeding her chickens at her backdoor. Find more from Stephanie at stephaniemckeever.substack.com.

Source: Special Needs Parenting- Key Ministry