The other night at dinner I had a very simple yet very profound experience. We had finished eating and were playing 20 questions while still sitting together. This is a favorite game for the kids. My arms were resting on the table, and my elbow hung out over the edge by just a few inches. Sophi was down from her chair and wandering around. I almost didn't notice as she came up and started rubbing her eye against my elbow. I glanced down at her and was suddenly hit by the significance of what she was doing.
I paused our game for a moment, and without telling anyone why, I had us sing the first verse of "Count Your Many Blessings." After we sang, I asked if we all had challenges. Of course everyone said yes. I asked what some of them were. Someone mentioned Lexi being blind. Graci talked about her heart problems. (Parker threw in "being overly attractive...it's rough.":) After listing a few more, I pointed out what Sophi had been doing. How often, I asked, do you reach up with your hand and rub your eye or face? Pretty frequently! Sophi cannot do that. If she is sitting, she can do it with her foot, but if she is standing, she cannot do it by herself. So she came up and rubbed her sweet little eyes on my elbow.
We were all grateful for our hands that evening. I am grateful for all of my children-eight wonderful blessings I get to count every single day.
Jer
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You are a great father for taking the time to create a teaching moment. My children often talk about your children when we are trying to understand challenges. It's so easy to take for granted seemingly small things that are in actuality enormous blessings, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteWe can't wait to see you guys in a couple of weeks!
Dude - we're grateful for YOU - all y'all - every day!
ReplyDeleteAnd good that you noticed - how many times we take for granted...
hugs - love you guys - aus and co.
I think of your sweet kiddos if ever I am feeling sorry for myself. There is nothing like perspective!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story ... a wonderful blog. Would you be interested in having this post featured on a new site called "The Liahona Project ... faith and direction" (www.theliahonaproject.net) It's an online support community of Latter-day Saint families raising children with special needs. Take a look at it and let me know. (I would have contacted you privately about this, but could find no way.)
ReplyDeleteYou do realize that very few people would pause long enough to even recognize this...way to be in tune!
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