SPECIAL MOTHERS

Years ago, when Trent was young, I was sent the following prose, which I am about to share. Unfortunately, the author is unknown. I included this in my book, Beyond the Clouds, because it touched my heart. I am not anyone special, but I do thank God that he chose me to be Trent's mother. I am hoping that today there will be a mother who is blessed by this. Keep in mind that this had to be written at least 40 years ago.

SPECIAL MOTHERS
(author unknown)

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures, and a couple by habit. This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

"Armstrong, Beth," son... "Forrest, Marjorie," daughter... "Rutledge, Carrie," twins. Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child."

The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy."

"Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel."

"But has she patience?" asks the angel.

"I don't want her to have too much patience, or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wear off, she'll handle it. I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I am going to give her has his own world. She has to make him live in her world, and that's not going to be easy."

"But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in You."

God smiles, "No matter; I can fix that. This one is perfect. She has just enough selfishness."

The angel gasps, "Selfishness? Is that a virtue?"

God nods. "If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally, she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied. She will never take for granted a 'spoken word.' She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations. I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty, prejudice...and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing My work as surely as she is here by My side."

"And how about her inner strength?" asks the angel, his pen poised in mid air.

God smiles, "A mirror will suffice."

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And we all know that our inner strength comes from God!!!
Enjoy His blessings today!!