What If?

With a now 13 year old son in the school special education system, we have sat through dozens of meetings with teachers, therapists and service providers over the years. I always dread the meetings and approach them with some trepidation. No one likes to hear just how far "behind" their child is, especially when you hear it over and over every time.

Becky and I were talking about our most recent meeting the other day. One of his therapists was at the point of exasperation as if to say, "nothing we've done works, I don't know what else to try or do."

As parents we're stubborn sometimes about our children, believing deep down that they have potential and shouldn't be judged by the past or even present circumstances. We are so busy believing in the best for them that we tend to discount the past, as if it didn't matter.

We want to scream,"Don't give up! You don't know him like I do! I believe in his potential."

That explains God the Father  so vividly doesn't it? To him your past is irrelevant too, and certainly not indicative of your future potential or ability. He's a dad, and he believes in his kids too.

God says in his word that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made," and He knit us together in our mother's womb , while planning all the days of our life and recording them in his book before one of them came to pass. (Psalm 139)

He told the prophet Jeremiah that "before you were made, I chose you and set you apart." (Jeremiah 1:5)

In other words, God has a purpose and plan for every life, including yours and your child's. And nothing will stand in the way of fulfilling God's chosen destiny.

Your past can't get in the way and your previous behavior or abilities have nothing to do with God accomplishing his will for your life, when you surrender it to him.

Something else I'm learning. As upset and disheartened as I get when all I hear is the negative aspects of what my son can't do- I'm ashamed to  say I do the same thing.

I readily accept and receive grace a whole lot quicker and easier than I  dole it out on others.

We are so quick to rush judgement and to focus on the negative things in others aren't we sometimes? What if we extended grace to others as easily and quickly as we expect it for ourselves?

Imagine the difference it would make in our lives and the lives of those around us.