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I have now been here a week, and God’s already shown me that I have a long way to go when it comes to loving others as He loves them.
I’ve posted before about a boy I work with who has some pretty substantial physical challenges in his life. Part of working with him and loving him means that I should push him and spend time focusing on his weaknesses so that he can improve. In an ideal world, we would work diligently and practice until perfect. But it’s tough. It’s uncomfortable for him, and for a two-year-old boy it is especially frustrating. And as much as I wish I could say it isn’t…the frustration can be mutual. I want for him to be able to overcome his limitations, and when it doesn’t magically happen immediately, my optimism can quickly vanish. It’s easy to want to give up.
An hour of each day spent with this boy has been a perfect opportunity for God to remind me of His patience and mercy. It is impossible for me to count the number of times God has forgiven me, or even the number of times that He has disciplined me and yet repeatedly I fail to attain perfection. Again and again I fall short of His glory, but He doesn’t love me any less because of it. Not once has He given up on me either. It has been a humbling experience to see how easily I can receive God’s patience, but how difficult it can be to show the same patience to others.
I think (and I hope) that I’ll approach my time with this kiddo with an entirely different heart. This boy is precious, and is ultimately a child of God. I have a chance to show him at least a glimpse of God’s love, and I can’t forget that “love is patient…” I pray that God will grant me the patience needed, and that even if this boy doesn’t perfectly conquer his physical challenges, he will know and feel that he is truly loved regardless.
Thank goodness we have a God who is so gracious. He has taught me so much, and I know He will continue to do so. These kids are wonderful, and your prayers for them mean more than anything. Love you all…
“But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; grant your strength to your servant…”
-Psalm 86:15-16
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your experience with us. Your time there is touching so many lives here and there. I will be praying that God enable you to motivate this young boy in the hard things as you have 2 more weeks to work with him. May God give you his eyes and the wisdom to accomplish the task before both of you. May he help you find this boys strengths that will overcome his weaknesses. I know this boy is beautifully made just like you are. May you bless him as he has already blessed you. Love and prayers coming you way. Aunt Dana
Dear Sweet Kim: What an heart felt update. I am so proud of you and Becca: I can't even imagine how pleased God is.
ReplyDeleteWe all fall short of God's glory. We must remind each other mercy is not earned but is a gift from God. With God's undying love, humility,paitence, continued forgiveness, compassion, grace, wisdom, guidance, presence and faithfulness we need to thank him everyday that he is the same God yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. You are definitely walking in his footsteps learning from God's ways gaining wisdom and patience. We all need God's guidance and must live in a holy manner in achieve this goal . Every thing you teach these children will enable them to gain the wisdom of love. You are a good and faithful servant to the Lord by giving your talents and showing these babies all your love that they will take with them forever. You and your babies are in my daily prayers, Love you, Pana
Proverbs 4: 1-9
Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction; pay attention and gain understanding. I give you sound learning, so do not forsake my teaching. When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or swerve from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you, embrace her and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor."