Anything involving a transition—from waking up to going to bed, leaving for church to leaving from church, getting on the school bus, stopping a favorite activity to do a less preferred one (at school), to new places, to new foods, has the potential to trigger a meltdown. To avoid these meltdowns we do our best to prepare her for such transitions by talking through what will take place in each setting, with new settings and transitions being most crucial.
When I read today's prompt a recent scenario popped into my mind and I knew I had to share what happened, along with a lesson the Lord taught me through it.
Today’s Prompt: CHANGE
GO
She tried to pull away abruptly but with arms flailing she fell to the ground in tears. My body temperature rose and I broke into a sweat as I tried gently coaxing her back into the classroom.
“Honey, I know it’s a new class in a different room but you’ll be able to make friends and have lots of fun!”, I said excitedly.
But there was no convincing her, and the trauma had already occurred. I blamed myself for forgetting to warn her—for not giving her the usual pep talks days before a major change such as this one: promotion Sunday.
Why does change have to be so hard for her? I questioned the Lord.
The same reason it is so hard for you, My child.
Cami doesn’t understand why or when a change will occur so she acts out in fear, but you are teaching her to trust that the change is for her best. I long for you to trust in Me through the changes I’ve chosen to allow in your life.
Why do I struggle to trust? I thought.
Fear. Just as Cami is fearful and uncomfortable with change, so are you. But you don’t need to be. Trust in Me, and rest in My Promises.
I wept as I thought back on each time my fear had driven me to flail my arms and crouch to the ground in tears. No, my meltdowns might not be outward, but God knows my heart. And that day the Lord used the difficult situation of Cami’s struggles with transitions to teach me that I was the one who needed to learn about change.
And I’m so thankful for the lesson He taught me:
When God allows change, it is always good.
Because He is.
STOP
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19)
What about you? What is something you've learned through a difficult situation or change in your life? I'd love to hear so feel free to leave me a comment!
*This post was part of my participation in the “fastest, funnest, free write on the web” {otherwise know as Five Minute Friday}, hosted by the lovely Lisa-Jo.
I can't imagine all the prep work you have to do when you know a change is coming. It almost seems unfair that with all the other obstacles Cami has to deal with, this is just one more. That being said, it's also the thing that will teach her more and enable her to learn more. Change seems to be the one constant in my life (ironic, I know). Sometimes I fight it, sometimes I welcome it. I just hope I learn from it. [I tend to go abck to Lisa-jo's and hit the last post at that time. Behold - it was you. I think this has happened 3 times. :)]
ReplyDeleteYou're right, change will always happen and the Lord can use it to teach all of us. That's funny about hitting the last post! =) Thanks for stopping by... =)
DeleteYour post gave me chills. Isn't it amazing how God very often uses situations with our kids (often the ones that drive us crazy)to teach us about his love for us? He is an all-knowing God who knows exactly how to grip our heart when we need him to. Blessings on you and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how God works and I'm so thankful for the lessons He continues to teach me through each of my children. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Deleteps- you have a new follower ;)
ReplyDeleteYAY--thanks! ;) Again, glad you stopped by--it's nice to meet you! =)
DeleteWhen I was a young dad one of my friends said to me, "It's amazing how sanctifying children are." I didn't understand him at first, but over the years I came to realize that the very struggles and frustrations I was often having as a parent were similar to my own struggles with sin and my spiritual walk. Thanks so much for your transparency and the honesty of this post.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love that statement from your friend--so true! It is amazing how the Lord uses our children to lovingly teach us on our spiritual walk with Him.
DeleteThank you for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts!
Rachel, thank you for sharing your heart.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for stopping by--I'm glad it was a blessing!
DeleteSuch a touching post, bless you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, and for stopping by...blessings to you!
DeleteI remember that day well...you called me in tears yourself. I'm so thankful that the Lord is able to give us exactly what we need each and every day in order to mold and shape us into the vessel He desires us to be.
ReplyDeleteMom
I'm thankful that you patiently listen through my MANY phone calls, and for the encouragement you are in the advice you offer--always reminding me to keep my eyes on the Lord! Love you (and thanks for stopping by)! =)
DeleteIt's amazing what the Lord teaches us through our children!
ReplyDelete