“For the word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.” Psalm 33:4 (NLT)

“Well, as a parent of a child with special needs, you can expect that …”

She spoke as surely and as simply as if stating, “The sky is blue.” And yet I felt like I had swallowed a golf ball.

We knew that our son, Sledge, wasn’t developing at a normal speed. But as parents of a one-pound micro-preemie who spent five months in the hospital, we had become used to taking everything one day at a time. Different labels had been suggested, diagnoses were hypothesized, and medical professionals all concluded that things weren’t shaping up as expected.

But I guess I was still waiting for it not to be true; though I knew it wasn’t the case deep down, I was hoping all the uncertainty would just wash away.

The shift from “let’s wait and see” to “we think he has special needs” felt jolting. I'd thought I could hold my breath until things evened out, only to learn that God had another journey altogether in mind.

I realized the golf ball I thought I swallowed wasn't the label of “special needs”; the true lump in my throat was my expectations for my life, for our family’s future, and for my precious Sledge.

It’s odd to feel so wildly unprepared for something and yet know that you were made for exactly this position — however daunting it seems and no matter how weary your heart feels.

As my family continues to navigate the roads of milestones and development, I’m learning to embrace this truth: You are graced for the journey God gives you. Not another’s journey and not the journey you thought you’d be taking but the exact one you’re currently living. You were made for hard things, and the detours become the very pathway to knowing the sacred, safe space of being loved by God.

As Psalm 33:4 says, “The word of the LORD holds true, and we can trust everything he does.”

As Sledge accepts challenges, I have the privilege to witness a deep-seated determination and passion in his soul that the gates of hell can’t get past. As I watch my husband operate with God-given gentleness and unique strength, I understand that sometimes expectations must die so that the sweetest stories and refinement can be born.

There are still days when I don’t feel cut out for the job. But I’m learning that God delights in me falling into His arms and being honest about my fears, worries and grief. Life is not easy, but His yoke is (Matthew 11:28-30). His arms envelop me so I can wrap my own around Sledge. What a gift.

It’s often in retrospect that we learn life’s curveballs and detours were the necessary trajectories to redeem, refine and revive us in ways that only the unexpected can. You are graced for the journey because the Good Shepherd is guiding you every step of the way.

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing, seeing and loving me like only You can. Open my eyes to all You’re doing in and around me. When the unexpected feels heavy, remind me that Your sovereignty is sure and steady. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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FOR DEEPER STUDY

Psalm 91:4, “He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection” (NLT).

Proverbs 20:24, “The LORD directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (NLT).

How can you invite God into the hard places of your life today?

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