Unexpected Encouragement!

Often times I find myself looking for support and comfort from those who just aren't willing or able to give it to me. I don't know why I continue to look for this need to be met from some people. I suppose it's because I expect that since they love me, they should be willing to comfort me in my times of need. Time after time I allow myself to get hurt when they don't give me what I need.

I know that I should be looking for my comfort to come from God alone. And yet, I find myself looking for this longing to be filled here on earth. These needs just aren't going to be fully met when I look for encouragment in the wrong places. I know this in my mind, but my heart wants something more.

Thankfully, I am offered comfort from many, even if it's not who I am really wanting this comfort to come from. I do have a wonderful support system, when I decide to benefit from their support, by sharing the hurt that I may be feeling at the time. I struggle daily with the emotions of caring for a child with special needs, but some days my emotions become so strong. Lately I've been having many days like this and I haven't felt comforted because I am trying to get this comfort from sources that just aren't reliable for me. I struggle with asking for help and encouragment because I feel that I should be able to handle these feelings on my own, plus I hate to be a burden on others. And yet, when I do go to reliable resources, such as the Bible or my mom, I feel so much better!

God has also offered me encouragement from people that I would never have thought would be there for me. Throughout the last 2 1/2 years, since sweet Gavin came along, God has provided me with great comfort by using His people to help brighten my day! As I said, lately I have really needed some encouragement!

Over the last week I have been blessed with several gifts of encouragement. These little things that were done for me have been SUCH a blessing during my difficult days! My cousin sent me a card letting me know that she was thinking of me and that she loved me. This truly brightened my day! A friend from church printed out some words to a song for me. She said that they reminded her of me and the struggles that I have been going through. This gesture really touched my heart! And, yesterday Caleb got into the van and was really excited about having "A really nice surprise" for me. He is easily excited about things, so I didn't think too much about it, but when we got home he took something out of his backpack that had me feeling SO TOUCHED!

His teacher had his kindergarten class make a book of Psalms for me, just to encourage me through this dark time. I don't know how she knew that I was struggling, unless she reads my blog, but I am SO GLAD that she did know and that she was so thoughtful to do this for me! Check out the book:




Here are some of the verses that are in the book:

"The Lord is my rock." Psalm 18:2

"The Lord is my strength." Psalm 18:2

"The Lord is my light and salvation." Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my shepherd." Psalm 23:1

"The Lord is my exceeding joy." Psalm 43:4

"The Lord is my sun." Psalm 84:11


These words from the Bible and the pictures drawn by the children were just what I needed this week! I couldn't believe that his teacher took the time to have her class make this for me! I was so touched and so thankful for this thoughtful gesture! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Life may be very difficult some days and I may feel like I am sinking some days, but God always finds a way to use others to brighten my day and lighten my load! I am so very thankful for this!


"I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" Acts 20:35