Psalms 126:5
Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy!
I've definitely sowed many tears lately but I've also I shouted much joy! It's easy to dwell on the hurt and pain but it's far better (and sometimes harder) to focus on God's goodness that comes out of various trials. It's easy to think that God has abandoned us or that He doesn't care - to focus on the glass being half empty instead of half full, but God is still so merciful in the midst of our storm. His fingerprints are evident and His loving tenderness is whispering "I'm still here". Our hearts just need to be open to hearing His voice. Throughout this journey I've heard His voice practically shouting "here I am!" where other times I've heard Him whisper "be still my child, I'm showing you great and mighty things!"
A couple of months ago I was connected with two mommys who's babies have clefts. Two mommy's I probably would have never met had I not been on this journey. Two strangers who would have never entered my life had we not been connected through tears and heartbreak. Two women who would have never been able to show me such love and courage. These women are very special to me and their names are Kelly and Megan. There's this unspoken connection we have that it's difficult for me to wrap words around. They know how I feel, why I feel, when I feel and without saying a word their mere presence brings about comfort. From text messages or phone calls at wee hours of the nights to emails and get togethers where we've held eachother and cried, these women have been a part of my support system and have been my source of encouragement when I really needed it. I've shed many tears with both of these special women and there's this bond between us that will last a lifetime.
I know they've walked in my shoes and I've walked in theirs. We don't have to try and explain our tears instead we just listen to one another and cry, laugh, rejoice as we talk about the journey we've walked and the journey that lies ahead. We share with eachother what God has showed us and what we struggle to try and understand. We discuss our fears of the future and lessons from the past.
I had the privilege of finally meeting Megan and her mommy (in person) this past week! We'll have to wait until January to meet her little man - Cooper. Ryder is already planning his many play dates with his new friend, Coop, as well as dates with Megan - I'm pretty sure Megan is his first girlfriend because all he did was flirt with her during lunch.
Kelly and her daughter, Francine, we met when Ryder was just a few weeks old and they have continued to love on us ever since. Kelly and Francine were with us on the morning of Ryder's lip surgery and I've been so touched by their kindness and support - always encouraging me, always uplifting me.
These friendships are yet more evidence of God's presence in the midst of my storm - bringing people, practical strangers, into my life to pray for, love, and encourage me! I truly believe that God is ALWAYS speaking to us, it's just a matter of us being close enough to hear His voice. As I've walked this journey, I've been drawn to His voice like never before and I pray I never stop seeing His fingerprints or hearing His whispers.
Isaiah 55:3
Incline your ear and come to me; hear me, that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, my faithful love promised to David.
Okay now time for a momma to brag about her bundle of cuteness that is growing up WAY too fast. I love on my little man all day! I can't help but kiss him all over and I have to refrain from biting his cheeks and gobbling him all up!
CUTENESS WARNING! The following pictures may melt your heart!
