Contributions.

Savoring every bit of these mornings with these beautiful creatures and absorbing the impact motherhood can have for generations to come.

 I spoke at a women’s conference this past weekend and, as I was gathering statistics and research, I was reminded of a quote I’ve heard over and over, but the whole of its meaning hit me right in the heart, ‘Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do, but someone you raise,’ by Andy Stanley. I like to think, as parents, we are perpetually showing our kids what Love looks like. Not just in the sense of how to love our family, but in a greater capacity of how to love the world. 

The importance of differences.
The opportunity to grow by getting to know and becoming friends with people who don’t look quite like we do.
Listening.
Learning.
Advocating for what is right.

Maybe, if I am all consumed in raising children while actively showing them what true love looks like, my contributions will be far greater and the impact will reach exponentially farther than than just the lives inside our four walls

Restore Place

We don’t do this. 

Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge with Art Museum in background.

We rarely have date nights, let alone two nights away from our kids. 

Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge

We don’t leave the life of parents of four. And we definitely don’t take a break from the title of special needs parents. But a couple weekends ago we did, and it was been beyond therapeutic. 

The Mad Priest Coffee Roasters 

A weekend full of baked goods, coffee shops, full bellies and wandering about Chattanooga, just the two of us. A slow paced weekend of uninterrupted conversations and no unbuckling of carseats is exactly what we needed, and Restore Place made that possible.

Niedlov's Breakworks

Restore Place, Inc speaks to the heart of special needs ministry by showing great love and validation to caregivers by providing time away from the stresses that can all too often seem overwhelming. They gave us a two night stay at a far fancier hotel than we are used to staying in, pampered us with gift cards and goodies, and simply gave us time to be nothing more than a couple.

Milk and Honey

 To nurture the soul of children with special needs is more than just meeting their physical needs, it’s equally about meeting their emotional needs, as well; and it’s hard to nurture someone else well if your own personal wellness tank is empty.

The Chattanoogan

 We are thankful for this inspiring family and this ministry they provide. Check out their website, www.restoreplace.org and if your heart is led in the way of special needs children, consider donating to such a wonderful cause.

Dear Ten Years Ago Me.

Dear Ten-Years-Ago Me,

I’m not sure you’d know who I am if you saw me in the store today. 

Although we’d probably not be shopping on the same aisles anymore, I’m sure you’d see me. At least you’d hear me coming. I mom so hard with 4 kids in constant tow. 

While you’re casually browsing the size 4 dresses, sporting your new shiny diamond, I’ll be checking out the facial moisturizers and reviews on amazon for under eye concealer. It’s really been since kid #3 that I depend on that last one to resemble a human. 

If you saw me you’d probably judge me for something. Whether it be the number of kids, the sheer volume they’re emitting, or how my hair appears to not have been washed in (let’s not count how many) days. *spoiler alert: it hasn’t. 😬

Dear Ten-Years-Ago Me, 

The plan you have in your head for how your life is going to unfold is admirable. It’s a great plan, really. Maybe the Peace Corps. Two kids, max. Special Education teacher. A few mission trips here and there. Completely go-with-the-flow, don’t stand out kind of life. 

I see you looking at me with a look of wonder. How could things not turn out this way? You’re not asking for much. It seems pretty simple. 

But then life happens. You’re gonna graduate college. Get married. Learn about so many things, that up until now, you’ve been sheltered from. 

Friends will have miscarriages. Infertility issues. Failed adoptions. Loss of houses during an unfortunate recession. There’s a lot of growing up that happens in the next few years. 

As you’re learning that plans are good, but remaining flexible is key, a battle is coming. A faith tester, a prayer maker, a life-changing, plan wrecker is coming. 

A journey your heart has been preparing for ever since you thought that boy majoring in special ed was cute and decided to switch majors. Funny how decisions are guided that way. 

Life will not look like the picture you have in your head. There will be more kids, more heartache, more beauty, more love, more of everything you’ve only had a taste of up until now. 

I’m not offering advice, I’m merely reminding you that you’re strong enough for these battles. You’re worthy enough of this beauty. You are graceful enough to see the world and understand that we are all doing the best we can with the hand we are dealt. You’re capable of judging less and shining a brighter light more. 

Coffee is your friend. Kids are hard. Your husband is learning to re-evaluate this life path, too. Treat him kindly. 

It’s a beautifully, bumpy ride. Hold on and enjoy it. ❤️