closely for little moments of encouragement. I believe God strengthens us with little glimpses of His working in our children’s lives.
A friend that was visiting recently reminded me of how much we worked with our one daughter to just get her to talk to people at church. Fast forward eight years and we are stilling working with this child. Yes, we could be discouraged. Yet, along the way we have seen improvements, that is what spurs us on.
Often in training when I have felt like giving up, a child will show a glimmer of doing what we are teaching them. Although the skill is not mastered, they show they have been listening and something is getting through.
It is these flashes that I thank the Lord for. They are wind to
my sail. In a moment I am encouraged. Still it can be easy to miss these moments. I must purpose to notice them and allow them to remind me that God is moving. When I feel discouraged, it is these moments I cling to.
Our “quiet” daughter prayed the other day that God would strengthen her to smile and talk to people she doesn’t know. Yes, I was encouraged. She came home from church and named three people she had talked to. I was encouraged. We talk a lot about looking for others that no one is talking to and considering the needs of others and not just our own comfort. So those times when she stands off to the side, I remember these moments and go to her to spur her on again.