Philippians 3:13-14New International Version (NIV)
13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
I am the first person to tell you that mourning a loss is a very important step for your emotional and spiritual health. This verse talks about pressing on in spite of what has occurred. In another passage in scripture, we are told "there is a time to mourn." Once a person mourns for a season (that will be different for everyone), it's time to move forward. Even in the losses of life, God has a plan and a purpose and calls each person to walk with Him in it.
Today we tackle the last few thoughts in the essay, Trip to Holland.
"The loss of that dream is a very significant loss. But if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things about Holland."
What was the dream, again? A special needs parent has to remind oneself of this. On most days, sleep deprivation overtakes the ability to remember most things. Ok, the dream was to get to Italy in the story but for those of us who parent a child with special needs, it's the experience of family life that comes without disabilities.
I remember the many walks I took in my neighborhood where I saw young children riding a bike with or without training wheels. Sorrow would often overtake me. Tears and sadness flowed freely. I can remember very clearly all the effort, frustrations and tears that occurred trying to teach my son to ride a bike. There comes a point where the effort it takes just isn't worth it. I didn't like giving up but it happens sometimes. I think many know what I'm talking about. It was painful to know that he probably would never learn to ride a bike.
The first time I didn't cry when seeing children riding bikes: Wow!! I knew I had experienced something significant. I was getting through the experience of mourning the loss. I was moving on. I was beginning move past not going to Italy. I was at the very beginning of enjoying and embracing Holland.
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