Obstacles (continued)
Just when you go around the corner and you think the coast is finally free from obstacles, you find yourself faced with ONE more event or situation. Lately my own life has certainly presented me with MANY challenges. So I totally understand what it's like to feel like you are running a race and just when you think you will reach the finish line, you are faced with one more obstacle to jump over. I've been sitting back thinking I just want to catch my breath, but lately I've been pulling my inner strength from my little toe (or so it seems).
As many already know, I adopted a little boy with Down syndrome. Can you believe he is four years old now? Last night we had to take him to the emergancy room because he couldn't breathe. I've been down this road before with him, but this time I knew it wasn't croup we were contending with. The little guy just had too much junk in his throat and nose, and he is also coming down with an ear infection. When you see your child lying on the floor with fear in his eyes and unable to speak, it certainly takes your breath away. I quickly swept him up in my arms and began patting his back as I ran towards the bathroom. PRAISE God it worked and helped clear his passages enough for him to breath. Raising my little adopted son certainly brings challenges, but after things have calmed down I sit here THANKFUL for the little hugs, and the love he brings into my life. I often thank my callers for choosing me as their advisor because I know each call helps make our lives a little bit easier. My husband came home telling me the medication wasn't totally covered under our medical cards. So yes I am THANKFUL for the calls. Today I received a rating and I think I offended the caller by saying that the call certainly does help me raise my little guy. I suppose I've been thinking they might feel good knowing as I help them, they too are helping this wonderful little boy I have been so blessed to adopt.
Now to add to the list my husband has been home for three days, he hurt his back and he now has the same virus I have struggled with for seven days. I really could sit here and write a long list of the events that are certainly presenting challenges for us.
So how do we handle these obstacles in our lives?
1. Death in family.... Praise God for the life and the opportunity to have these people who surround us whether it's for a day, years or our life time. Hug the ones you love, and try not to take today for granted. You can focus on the gain of having someone in your life, or become depressed upon the personal loss. It's all in how you look at the situation.
2. Illness.... When it comes to our children, again hug, kiss, and enjoy just where you are today. When faced with sickness, focus on the good. My son may be coughing and it certainly scares me when he can't breathe, but I try to focus on the gift of what he can do and the joys that bring light into his sick little eyes. I have a stepfather who at this time can't do much of anything because he is in pain, I realize that MY TIME through a phone call can benefit him during this very rough time in his life. Count your blessings, focus on what you can do, and remember even a phone call to a sick loved one CAN make a difference to them. Again, it's a matter of what you choose to focus on. You can focus on every pain or thing wrong or find the blessing of life.
3. Finances... During a job loss, I reminded myself of the windows of opportunities ahead. I prayed and meditated, and I gave thanks for the better days knowing one day things would get better. Always keep HOPE when you go through financial hardships, and never quit trying if you are searching for a job or better opportunity. BELIEVE in yourself, and that you can work through financial difficulties.
4. Infertility... As you can guess, our answer came through adoption. There are so many children in the world today who need a loving home, and how blessed we have felt to be able to give our little guy a forever family. I can tell you I've met many wonderful people because of infertility. I've been on both ends (treatable and untreatable infertility) and certainly could talk a blue streak about infertility treatments, and the various options for couples. The key is to find the window and not focus on a closed door. I can remember telling my husband God had a much better plan for us, bigger than we could even imagine. Having been told we'd never adopt a baby, guess what? Never say never!
5. Disability.... I don't like this word because it's negative to me. Diss the dis in the word... and find the ABILITY. We all have our weaknesses, but why focus on weaknesses alone? Having a son with Down syndrome, I'm teaching him to count his blessings. I don't want him feeling sorry for himself or totally focused on what he can't do because of physical limitations. The key is to find the blessings and abilities. Learn to laugh and enjoy who you are today. I don't care if you find yourself in a wheelchair, make the best of what you CAN do. The biggest disability I see all the time is our thinking. We limit ourselves just through our own thoughts. Think GREAT things about yourself, and focus on your assets.
The key for me has always been to find that open window and to put your energy into today and let your higher power handle tomorrow! Trust you will find the strength right when you truly believe you can't handle ONE more obstacle. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and give yourself a little room or time when faced with a crisis. Take care of yourself (emotionally, spiritually and physically) so that you are better prepared to take care of your loved ones around you. Release. By this I mean cleansing breaths and letting go of the immediate frustrations. I find taking a nice warm bubble bath, a walk in the woods or just giving myself some space alone to calm my worries or fears. Sometimes release can come in the form of a good cry, prayer, or even a time out. Trust you WILL get beyond the obstacles and maybe not in YOUR time, but in your higher powers time. I believe today I am being forged into a better person through these trials I face. I believe I will greatly benefit from the struggles and obstacles. I may not understand each one today, but I trust I am where I am suppose to be today. Trust you are right where you are meant to be, and BELIEVE that you can find the good in the worst situations. It truly is in how you perceive your situation and your attitude.
I'm always just a phone call away for those of you who feel you can't handle ONE more obstacle.
Keep looking up! Tomorrow is a new day and look at how far you and I have come already!
God bless! :)