“We are not built for the mountains and the dawns and aesthetic affinities, those are for moments of inspiration, that is all. We are built for the valley, for the ordinary stuff we are in, and that is where we
have to prove our mettle.”
~ Oswald Chamber~
Laurel of Laurel Wreath Reflections is the precious host this week for “Tuesdays In Other Words”. She has given us an awesome—heart searching—soul speaking—quote. If I may copy the definition she uses….”mettle—one’s disposition or temperament”…hmmmm—this gives me cause for pause.
Saturday, when the boys were playing, Rylan became very aggressive. We were in a valley experience. This happens from time to time. These days, more so as the doctors are adjusting his meds. I had pulled him to another room to talk to him about his behavior. You have to pull his attention to you continually (almost every other word). Having never dealt with an autistic child before, it is a struggle at times—indeed can be a valley. But what the Lord show me about me through Rylan’s life….shows me my “mettle”. My disposition comes through sometimes loud and clear. Especially when my patience is at the very last thread….
I told him that his behavior was not pleasing the Lord. The Lord was not happy with the way he was treating his brother. Hitting, pushing and punching was not nice. I try and keep the conversations short, so the next thing was to “pray” about the attitude and actions. I asked Rylan if he wanted to pray. He nodded his head and laid his head on my shoulder. I could not understand what he was saying in the beginning, but about mid way through some of the words began to become clear….. “…and to dah m-public for which it tand, one mashun unner God indi— (undecipherable) wit libbirddie and just for all…” okay…I know you may not have understood a single word….what he said was not understandable……To me……But to God…(what do you think?)….to me that wasn’t a prayer…it may have “sounded” prayer like…because of the “tempo and inflection” he used, but still not a “real” prayer. But to his mind…it was a prayer. To God it was a prayer. Why? Because God knows his heart. His heart was “sorry” for the way he acted to his little brother.
Here we go to the mountain. After his prayer, we prayed again. For his love to show. It was a short prayer, but you could “see” his love in his eyes. In his heart is the mountain top. Through the ordinary of everyday….God gives us little mountain top experiences….sometimes we can’t see them for the clouds. But I am glad for the journey there….He shows me what needs to be fixed in me.
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Psalm 91:1-2
Whether the “dwelling place” is the mountains…or the valley….if God is our Shelter…we are safe. His word speaks to my heart on a daily basis…but when I am in despair…not only does it speak….It HEALS….it is a balm….it is “antibiotic ointment”.
Fear not; for I have redeemed thee,
I have called thee by thy name;
Thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters,
I will be with thee,
And through the rivers,
they shall not overflow thee;
When thou walkest through the fire,
thou shalt not be burned;
Neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
Isaiah 43:1-3
October 9th, 2007 at 9:01 pm
wow…I am glad I checked the late ones…what a personal post..this was one that really touched me…thank you for posting.you are right, no matter where we are, the mountain or the valley…’we are safe.’I loved that!peace,lori
October 9th, 2007 at 9:08 pm
This is too sweet for words, and what a beautiful visual picture you give us my friend.
October 9th, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Very touching! Sometimes I forget how sweet it is to hear our children talking to God. You’re right – what they say doesn’t matter because God knows their heart. What a lovely, encouraging post.
October 9th, 2007 at 11:04 pm
Great post Dear Lady! Oh yes god heard his prayer. one nation=unityindivisible =unityunder God=freedom and justice think about it.
October 10th, 2007 at 10:55 am
In raising children, you’ve elected to enroll in the great classroom of life. Praise the Lord you’re attentive to the lessons. I sure try to be raising my toddler.
October 10th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Blessings on you and may God continue to give you insight in how to love and bless this child of His…
October 10th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
wonderful! i have to share this post with a friend!
October 10th, 2007 at 8:34 pm
You know, Angie, sometimes we have to look at children and their faith. To me it is amazing. Why do we loose that kind of faith when we grow up…I guess we are too influenced by the world.Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts this week.Be blessed today and always.
October 10th, 2007 at 10:28 pm
Great post. Thanks so much for sharing from your heart.Blessings to you.
October 13th, 2007 at 5:50 pm