In my previous post, Systems, I discussed some thoughts about a type of system that many of us take part in, that is, the traditional church system. I alluded to the fact that my husband and I have discussed other systems as well and I’d like to share my thoughts with you.

The second system that has gotten my wheels turning a bit, is the educational system. This is a difficult one for me to tackle because I feel that I have been raised in the middle of a system that I didn’t even think to question, as I have written about in my post, Identity. But in the past few years, I have had reason to question how this particular system works. (or how it doesn’t work). The main motivation for asking those questions was after realizing that it wasn’t working for my own child. No matter how hard I tried to force him to fit that mold, it wasn’t going to happen. Now, that we have made the change to teaching him apart from the school system, I see so much progress. And He is evolving each day into the man that God has created him to be. It is a very inspiring transformation.

I would have to say that my main problem with how the system operates is that children are not allowed the freedom to follow their natural bent or curiosity. They must fit the “norm” and if they don’t, there must be something seriously wrong. Now on the flip side of the coin, I don’t believe that children in the public schools are expected to be respectful. Yes, it is included in the rules of the classroom posted on the wall, but it does not penetrate their heart. How could it? How can one teacher of 20+ students possibly know and be able to speak to the heart of each child in his/her classroom? (As I write this, I can see the correlation between this system and the previous one I have written about.)

Here’s an interesting perspective on Margaret Spelling’s views on this system:

My main point is that what we are able to see in our child is where his heart is, and frankly, for the last 9 months, it has not been pretty. But we are beginning to see changes, positive changes that if he carries them throughout his life, will make an impact on those who come in contact with him.

I have been pondering thoughts about “systems” and have discussed them at length with my husband. The first system that we have discussed is that of the church. We are currently out of the traditional church and are attempting to meet from house to house. (I will discuss my thoughts on other systems in another post)

But I am coming to the point of realizing, it is not about what we create “each week”. It is about being available to do whatever God is instructing us to do in “each day”. Letting go of some of the bondage of what is required according to church structure has been very liberating for us….also very difficult. We want interaction with like-minded individuals, desperately. But we also realize it is not about what we can create ourselves. We must be available to go as God guides us or wait when He tells us to do so.

So, today, we wait…

Alan, at The Assembling of the Church, has some excellent thoughts on how we can step outside of our box and be the church, in his post, The Church Meets Here… His thoughts on this issue have encouraged me today. I am sure they will encourage you as well.

So, today, I ask you. How can we be the church to others? In what ways can we come out of our comfort zone and be uncomfortable in order to love someone else?

I have a special place in my heart for people with disabilities.

It all began as a child, having an uncle with Down’s Syndrome, and being able to experience, as a family, what it means to enjoy life with a person with a disability. My grandparents were told to put him in an institution and that he would not live past 30 years of age. They didn’t follow that advice. Currently, he is living very well in a group home at the age of 48.

I have worked with the special needs population in a variety of ways over the past 15 years: in an adult group home setting, in self contained classrooms as a teacher assistant and as a lead teacher. Now, currently I am working with children from birth to age 5 for the school system and for Easter Seals/United Cerebral Palsy.

So, you can probably see why this article touched me. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces and the joy they brought to everyone around them is why I love working with children with disabilities. (Be sure to watch the video clip after reading the article).

I hope it blesses you as much as it did me.

What does a mother do to express her love?

When I came into motherhood, I had a picture of how things would be. You know the picture I’m talking about. Endless nights of reading and playing, children obediently following directions and life filled with smiles and laughter. Hmmm—Something else happened on the way to the nursery!

What I found out is that my perfect picture was not necessarily destroyed, but was molded into a picture that brought more clarity. See, what I was bringing to motherhood was an idea that I created. But, what I found out was that my son was not another “me”. He was created by God to be an individual. I can’t make him into the man I picture. God is molding and shaping him into the man He wants him to be.

Perspective change– I see my child for who he is and all that he has brought into my life. Just when I think I have figured him out, he does something different. (This keeps me on my toes!) Just when I think I can’t handle another wild idea, he hugs me and tells me he loves me. (this encourages me to be thankful for his love). Just when I think he is still a child, I look at him and see a young man. (this helps me to appreciate each moment).

How do I show a child that has brought such meaning to my life, the depth of my love for him?

I can hold him, tell him I love him, spend time together (for a teenager, sometimes that’s not desirable!). These are the ways I know to show a tangible love to him. But what I desire most is to lead him to a relationship with Christ. And I don’t think that means leading him in a prayer and walking away thinking everything is taken care of. I believe that means living a life before him that shows my love for Christ—showing him that everyone has worth, relationships do matter and loving one another is our true calling—all else just falls into place.

This is how I want to love my child, with the love that Jesus has shown me. Then, His perfect picture can become clear and all will see why this child was created.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled or let it be fearful.”

It is so easy to become consumed with the everyday responsibilities and demands that are placed on us. I know too well the stress that can result from busying ourselves with “things”. But these things only bring us temporary feelings of accomplishment and contentment. These things cannot fulfill the deepest longings in our heart and soul. Christ alone can fill that need.

It is also easy to trust God when things are going well. When you have enough money in the bank, when your health is well and when everyone around you is happy. But your faith and trust in Christ really becomes clear when you are faced with some “not-so-pleasant” issues and you can still say “I trust you, Lord and I love you, no matter what the outcome”.

My riches are not found in this earth. My riches are in Him and in the relationships that He has given me. There is nothing material on this earth that can be taken away from me that should cause me to worry or fear. Nothing! This is the lesson that I am learning today. Isn’t that the coolest thing about God…we can feel that we have it all figured out, but He lovingly shows us a better perspective-one that brings us life and freedom that surpasses anything we ever experienced before.

I love being a follower of Christ.

Let us rest in the peace that Jesus has freely offered us. Not in the peace that the world attempts to give us, but the kind that is only found in seeking daily the Prince of Peace.