I was so disappointed to not make it to our church’s Easter service yesterday.
We bought the pretty clothes
And the shoes
And gave haircuts
And made Easter lunch plans at Grandma’s house
And all bathed the night before
And then we arrived home from vacation to find a very sick Luke, and my heart sank.
We haven’t worshipped at church in a few weeks because when you have a bunch of kids, it seems like they’re always bringing home some new germ.
And because it seems like “special needs” always manages to exclude us somehow and have the final say.
And if I’m being honest, because I still had the sniffles as well.
I felt starved for my church community & my faith felt parched for a fresh anointing & I just KNEW that our Easter service was what my weary soul needed.
And as I was sulking because we would miss church yet again, I heard a still small voice whisper –
I AM HERE.
I am here in the disappointment.
I am here in your holy obedience.
I am here in the special needs.
I am here in the midst of germs.
I am here in the messy mundane.
I am here in your ministry of motherhood.
These offerings of care and mothering and laying down your desires are evidence of my broken body and shed blood & because you reside in the broken spaces with me, you will also reign in heavenly spaces beside me.
Oh mama, the resurrection always arrives after faithful obedience.
Special needs might feel tomblike when we isolate at home, exhausted, and managing all the things behind closed doors.
Motherhood might feel tomblike as we humbly obey and serve those who can not care for themselves.
Life might feel tomblike as we await a resurrection.
But stay faithful…
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence, the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me!
Or on me or on you because –
JESUS, YOURS IS THE VICTORY!
Hallelujah & Amen!
Just keep livin.
If you enjoyed this and want to read more, check out my books, Sunlight Burning at Midnight, Blended with Grit & Grace, and Lovin with Grit & Grace.
