Let the comforting begin……

                                                          Sitting there watching David eat in front of other kids brought a lump in my throat. There were many times when I was trying to hold it together in front of people and then lose it when I was alone. This time was different. We were having dinner with friends and all their kids were at the table eating. My friend's daughter who was a month older than David was in her high chair and David was in his. She was devouring her food and eating finger foods and having a good time. David was crying and still eating pureed baby food. No texture whatsoever. No finger foods. No using hands to experiment with foods and only happy if I was feeding him. I remember sitting there watching the kids eat, feeling frustrated that my child was struggling and it was all I could do to hold it in. It was the first time I really saw the difference between David and other children. It made me sad. I remember thinking as I could tell I was not going to be able to hold the tears in, "oh great! Now you have to get upset! You are going to make a huge embarrassment of yourself". I knew that I was wrong but I felt at the time all alone in this journey. A friend asked me if I was okay and I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I just lost it. I was so embarrassed. I just cried and told her of the struggle and just feeling so overwhelmed and knowing that there was something wrong. I felt (I stress felt knowing that it wasn’t fact) like a horrible mom. I sadly started comparing my abilities to the other moms based on the success of my son. I know that this is normal for many moms. I believe that even if our child does not have special needs that we all do that. I am grateful for that friend (she knows who she is if she is reading this :) ). She just listened. She just let me have a moment and sometimes that is all anyone needs. Sometimes all someone needs is an ear. We don’t always have to have the answers.
                                        I am learning through these moments when I speak to other moms that have children with special needs to just listen. I am learning that if I can comfort another mom who is going through something similar it brings me joy. The thought that I am letting another mom know that she is not alone gives me such joy inside. When I am able to say to another mom "yes. This situation really stinks and is painful BUT JESUS. He is walking us through. We just need to keep looking to Jesus. We need to keep crying out to Jesus. He is the only One that will be able to understand every thought, every feeling, and every frustration. He is the only One who can hold us, sustain us, and give us wisdom. No one else can comfort like He can. He is the only One that can show us how to parent our children. His opinion is all that matters. Are we glorifying Him? Are we seeking Him? That is all that matters". 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 says, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and GOD of ALL COMFORT, who comforts us in ALL our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in ANY trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God." That is what we as Christians are called to do as we walk with each other through our trials. We may not be walking the same journey but we can encourage each other by reminding each other of the truth of His Word. We can remind each other to keep our eyes focused on Him and we can say that we may not understand but we know who does. We can pray for each other. We can pray with each other. When you come speak with another mom who may be walking a difficult journey will you bring the comfort of Jesus? I am sure as you do it will bring you great joy and I know that as you do you will also be comforted in your situation. Let the comforting begin……