Sharing with Others

Recently I ran into someone I have known for several years. She is one who has gone through many, many physical trials and had some painful surgeries. She never complains and always gives God the glory for everything. She likes to be upbeat and positive all the time and she does a wonderful job of it.

When I got home, I began to think about her situation. I know some people who never seem to complain and are wonderful examples of trusting God and accepting what He allows in their lives. I have great admiration for them. But I also believe that there are times that we need to share the difficult things--the times that we are down in the valley. There are so many hurting people out there, and they need to know that others have gone through or are going through the same thing that they are facing.

This last February I was asked to speak at a workshop. It was for people who have a ministry with those who have special needs. As I was speaking, I noticed a couple sitting to my right in the second row. They had tears in their eyes. Afterwards I found out that a statement I had made had really encouraged them. I simply shared that special needs ministry was a very difficult ministry and many times it was also a slow-growing ministry. I also shared some of the obstacles and heartaches through which my husband and I had gone. Afterwards they told me how they had felt the same way and many times had felt like giving up, but that it was so encouraging to hear how someone else had gone through something so similar.

Afterwards, others thanked me and told me how they related to what I had said.

We can encourage people by sharing the hurt we are facing or have faced. It is wonderful to give our testimony to others about what God has done and is doing for and through us. But sometimes we fail to tell about the difficult things--the pain, the sorrow, the discouragement, and that oh, so alone, feeling, How about you? Think about those who have been the most encouragement to you throughout your life. Was it someone that seemingly lived a wonderful Christian life and even in times of trials and trouble always seemed to be positive? Or was it someone who was willing to share the whole truth--of being down in the valley--and how God took them up to the mountain?

Matthew

It's been a long time since I've written anything about our little grandchild, Matthew. He is the precious gift God gave our family. Our son and daughter-in-law adopted him from China last December. He was 16 months old at the time. I'll never forget the first time he came to our house. It was Christmas Eve and they had been home with him only a few days.

His new mom (our daughter-in-law) carried him into the house. He was half asleep. Because of the time change, it was difficult for him to wake up. When he did, he was very withdrawn.

At the beginning, he had attachment issues. This meant that to him everybody was the same. There was a process where his parents had to ask other people not to hold him so that he would become attached to his mommy and daddy. They were told that for him to fully attach to them would take the same amount of time that he was in the orphanage--16 months.

Well, he has been a part of the Evans family for nine months now. Has he attached to his mommy and daddy? Oh yes!! He adores his parents. To watch him and our son and daughter-in-law, it is hard to believe that he has ever been with anyone but them.

Chet and Phyllis have been so sweet about bringing me flowers since my surgery. Yesterday they stopped by to bring me more beautiful flowers. (I'm getting spoiled.) Matthew walked in with the flowers and handed them to me. It was the most special thing.

When Matthew comes to our home, he walks straight to the train table that we have for the grandchildren. He loves Thomas. When he gets tired with that, he takes someones hand and heads for the front closet where all the toys are kept. He is very much at home and very much our grandchild.

Matthew has the sweetest smile. When he smiles, the whole room lights up! Who knew adoption could be so wonderful? Thank you Heavenly Father!

Pain, Pain and More Pain

Friday night after brushing my teeth, I happily walked into our bedroom announcing to my husband, "Guess what? I flossed my teeth." Now that might not seem like a big deal, but to me it was. It means that I am getting more range of motion.

Yesterday I was able to put on some mascara. Yahoo!

But none of this comes without pain. And I do mean pain!

Last Wednesday when I went to therapy, the therapist turned my arm every which way possible-over and over and over. I am here to tell you that I would rather go through labor ten times than to have to go through that once. But there is much more to come. I get through it by taking deep breaths and talking to God.

Yes, I had heard how horribly painful surgery on the rotatar cuff was. But for me the surgery was a piece of cake. It is actually the therapy that hurts! It is almost constant pain--the pain that makes a person feel like giving up. You know what I say. This too shall pass.

The therapist said that I am making good progress!

Onward and upward I go! Maybe I will be able to pluck my eyebrows soon!!