REMEMBER TO FIND THE JOY AND KEEP IT FOR THE JOURNEY

The journey you and I are on is not your typical one. For more parents, the journey is a timeline of events gone by with upcoming growth moments and celebrations of life. But, for those that have a child at home that requires a little (ok, reality check- a lot) of extra attention, the journey can require a few more benches along the way so we can take a few more breaks. 

I know you're saying, "Yeah, right? Like really? When?" And I agree with you. There just seems to be little time for breaks and just when you think you've become the expert in one area, you realize this part over here needs fixing and oh, yeah, now its something new. I get you, loud and clear!


But, because we do have some special children in our lives that will always need from us a little more, it's time to look ahead and see the road before us as one that doesn't only have to be filled with rocks, puddles, rainstorms, and dark places, there can be a joy in the journey.

Today, my son is doing so much better. Sugar level was 96 this morning. Two days ago it was in the 300s. So, I take the blessings as they come, small or big. For right now, he is well and in the timeline of our lives, this is a dot where I can jot down, "Hooray!"

There is a joy in this journey if you dare to take it!

"How?" You ask, when you feel so sad and overwhelmed at times. "I can't!" You shout, "Not today!"

I see the roadblocks up ahead just like you do. I see the signs and the light blaring that there is danger ahead. I know that maybe tomorrow the signs of sickness remind us death is always near. 

But, please for today, let us find and keep the joy!
The rocks are there? Then, let's jump over them.
You see the puddles? Put on some rainboots and let's splash our way through them.
The roadblocks are signaling danger ahead?
It's OK. Get your Emergency Kit ready and be on the alert. You will get through this.
Rain clouds and thunder storms up ahead?
Then, make a choice. Umbrella, rain jacket, boots or ballet slippers and Ipod.

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he [it is] that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

The challenge will always be in our face. Don't let the things we can't avoid take our joy. Look at the beauty of life in the midst of the hardship. Majestic trees, snow caressing the branches, the faces that smile and your precious child that loves you just because you are you.

There is a joy that can be ours as we take each new step in this journey with sickness. My journey includes Type 1 Diabetes, and I don't want it walking with me and my family. For today, for the Christmas season, we're putting on some shades and disguises and walking out the door hoping T1D won't follow. Well, you get what I am trying to say. Don't let it stop you from living and loving life. Each day will have its burden. Take time to find and keep joy in your journey, today.

#diabetes #juvenileDiabetes #diabetic #joy #journey #faith #sickness #sickchild #suffering #sadness #holidays #christmas #family #heartache #joyfull #storms #trials #believe #hop3 #diabeticblog #diabeticblogger #t1d #walk #diabeticchild #childwithdiabetes #special