Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Why I’m Thankful For the Fruit of the Spirit…

As a Mom of a Child with Special Needs ~

1) Love is unconditionally selfless like Christ - even if I’m still changing the diapers of my 5½ yr old and may be for his lifetime.

2) Joy is lasting gladness in Christ – even if my child has a seizure after celebrating one year seizure free.

3) Peace is calm assurance of Christ – even if I don’t know if my child will live to be an adult.

4) Patience is steady endurance from Christ – even if I have been working on my child feeding himself for 4 years.

5) Kindness is sweet tenderness of Christ – even when my child’s behavior is out of control.

6) Goodness is unwavering righteousness through Christ – even when I feel like I have a right to live in despair.

7) Faithfulness is constant allegiance to Christ - even when I’m tempted to have a “What about him” attitude.

8) Gentleness is humble meekness of Christ - even when I feel like I’ve had enough.

9) Self-control is restraining impulses through Christ - even when I feel like verbally lashing out to those who may stare, say ignorant things, or treat my child unkindly.

Praise God for his indwelling Spirit that works in us (Phil 2:13). I thank God for what He has taught me and continues to teach me on this journey of having a child with special needs. I am learning the secret of contentment… it’s ALL about Christ’s strength (Phil 4:11-13).

May the fruit of God’s Spirit be evident in you this Thanksgiving Season. May you walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God (Col. 1:10).

4 comments:

Tricia Keierleber said...

I love how you went through the fruits in that way. Such a blessing!

Talitha Piper said...

Those are so beautiful, Mrs. Turner!
~Talitha

Chocolate, Vanilla and Caramel said...

What an awesome post! I really love your posts when you talk about life as a special needs mom. I learn so much from you and so value your insight and perspective. I really appreciated your post where you listed things that special needs parents want you to know. It was so powerful. I'm so thankful that you share your story and your family's journey.

Also, thanks so much for your comment on my post. I really value your wisdom as a Christian African-American woman and also as an international person (at least for a few years, that certainly counts!!).

Have a great Thanksgiving!

Laurie said...

Keep speaking truth in all things, dear sister!