When mountains don't move

 

Anna turned 33 years old this month.  I always like to reflect on these landmarks, and the lessons that have come to my heart.  In our earlier years with Anna, it seemed as though her needs were like an unmovable mountain that blocked my view. Eventually, I came to the realization that God would not move this mountain; instead, it was time for me to start climbing.  We were soon to discover that this journey would lead to heights and lows, spiritual vision, insight, and joy.  It became a call to endurance.

This kind of commitment calls for affections that are set on things above (so as not to get dizzy from the heights). It requires faith that puts on hiking boots (because you will need the traction to keep from falling back).

We would learn that endurance comes before joy.  It’s the blood, sweat, and tears, that deepen our appreciation for the kind of LOVE that lasts.  When once dreaded duties become so much a part of you, that you do them without thought, crosses have quietly become blessings, strivings cease; you have found the "still waters".   Commitment has found a place to flourish in a heart content with where life actually is, not where you want it to be; that’s when the party begins.  Anna’s birthday’s belong to us all. 

It belongs to my children, who had to adapt to her needs: Hard seasons of unpredictable messes, limitations that kept us home bound, and a lot of unanswered questions.  This opportunity to learn how NOT to despise, but to accept what God had given us, birthed in our children a sensitivity only found in these hallowed proving grounds. 

It is the people and circumstances that do not change, that change us the most. 

It belongs to my Grandchildren, whose aunt wears diapers, and does not talk.  They have been introduced to seeing up close that being different is not bad.  They treat her as an equal and know what makes her laugh.  Their love and respect for her comes through in their eyes and smiles; no words needed, no expectation, just pure love. Anna doesn’t grow old to them.  We could learn a lot through their example

She belongs to our marriage.  We have become the 3 in 1.  In the beginning, it felt like she took more from us, than she gave. But now, we have come to see, she has been used to teach us more about what true love is than we could have ever imagined.  When we celebrate her, we are celebrating us.  We will light her candles this year and thank God for the mountains we have climbed so far, and those still ahead of us.  Light has come, Anna has been the gift of God's grace to us; none of us will ever be the same. 

"Faith does move mountains, but sometimes unmovable mountains were meant to move you." 

"Own what God has given you, and when you do, beautiful things will unfold around you and in you."