Meghan graduated from high school. She went to college and learned to live with people she hadn't known prior to leaving home. She struggled to make adult decisions and face the consequences (good and bad) of those decisions. She took on so many responsibilities that she didn't have to before. She is still learning, still growing and I enjoy our time together when she is home. I had to learn to let go a little and, after offering my thoughts, sit back and watch her make her decisions. Pray ... and trust God.
Ethan had surgery. We knew that once he was completely healed the surgery would be life changing. In actuality, the change is in the process; the journey. We all lived through his last surgery and I most definitely was not looking forward to the healing part. Had I known all we would endure I would have freaked. We had heard ahead of time what complications could happen and we were aware that he was an extreme case and he would be more apt to encounter those. We prayed ... we called on our prayer warriors ... and ... he still got the complications. Although we are sorry he had to endure such pain and treatment, the journey was incredible. I never knew one could be so physically exhausted but the people we encountered on this journey and the way God provided and sent encouragement exactly when needed was amazing. Thankfully Ethan is home ... we are able to look back and see all that we had gone through ... and we survived. God equipped us and strengthened us for each task as it happened. He has an incredible testimony. There's still things he will be required to face and he is not liking that at all but I am amazed at his spirit and how he actually seemed to handle this better (in ways) than his prior surgery although this was so much more invasive. As a mother I had to watch him endure when I was helpless to make him more comfortable. I had to make him do things that he didn't like to do. Through it all, in the comfort of the hospital chapel I learned, even more, to pray ... and trust God.
Kate had to learn how to deal with all these changes in our family. Where did she fit in and how was she suppose to feel when Meghan was away and Mom was at the hospital with Ethan? Scared for her brother ... missing us. My baby girl showed so much maturity. During the visits she learned to serve her brother and help him get sips of Gatorade. They formed a bond as she helped him do the simplest tasks. She is currently excitedly anticipating a huge mission that God has been equipping her for since she was a young child. She is raising money to go to Guatemala on her first mission trip. She was overjoyed as she saw yet another step fall into place. I hadn't even known she was apprehensive, thinking she might not be able to go. That part fell into place which much relief on her end. At the thought of sending my baby to another country and not be with her has allowed me to learn, still more, to pray ... and trust God.
As I look over 2015 I see growth. I see the ability to let go of things that God needed me to ... to pray more intentionally ... to trust Him with every single part of my life and be confident that He knows me, He knows my needs and He will always provide. He loves me and cares about the smallest of concerns. I have joy and peace. There were a lot of changes in 2015 but that's not all bad. God has surrounded us with amazing people, He's provided in so many ways. Had we not been on this journey there are so many people we would have never met. We are blessed. So, not only has this been a year of change ... it's been a year of growth and I feel more at peace and content because of these things.
I am looking forward to this new year. Entering 2016 confident that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will continue to equip us for each new thing He asks of us and I am very much looking forward to the incredible plan He has for our lives!
Until next time ... however you remember 2015, be hopeful and confident of Christ's love for 2016!
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