JOY.

            As you may have noticed, it has been several weeks since my last post - but know, this has not been without thought. Over the past three weeks I have been taking time to meet with various families and individuals within the congregation who have disabilities, sharing information with the congregation regarding this particular project, and having conversations with professionals in the field of Special Education. Each conversation has been different, but regardless of content and regardless of age, the individuals and families I have had the honor of spending time with have reminded me of how beautifully God has created each of us. If we are not the best singer, perhaps we can write, if we are often unable to control our surroundings, perhaps we have the gift of paying attention to the little things, if we are unable to sit-still, perhaps we have the gift of dance.
             It is here, that I pause on this journey. I pause to remember the words of Psalm 139, which reminds us, “It was you (God) who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you (God), for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well.” (NRSV) I pause to remember these words of thanksgiving and praise; words spoken generations ago by David that today carry a powerful message of hope. Words, that are a reminder in my everyday life that, when I am unable to control my surroundings, when I cannot sit still for another minute, or when I am reading and my eyes can’t track to the next line – God is there. God has created me just the way I am; I have been molded to use my strengths to live vibrantly and to share the Good News joyfully.