Miracles in the moments...

miracle \ˈmir-i-kəl\
an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs

an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment

a divinely natural phenomenon experienced humanly as the fulfillment of spiritual law

 

When I found out I was pregnant with our first daughter, Ryann, I became a little obsessed with feet.  Early on in my pregnancy it was because there were two things graphically clear in her ultrasounds-her waving hair (seriously, I place full blame on the midnight Mexican food runs) and long lanky feet.  In the last trimester of my pregnancy my obsession felt a bit more like a possession!  Night and day she rolled and moved, assuring me of her desire to vacate her cramped quarters.  As I talked and sang to her throughout my pregnancy her feet kept up a frantic stucatto, somehow dancing around my belly and heart all at once.

Ryann made her appearance eleven years ago this week-as easy in birth as she was in pregnancy.  She arrived so quickly, politely ensuring we never missed a meal.  As they handed her to me I remember inhaling deeply, introducing myself to those big brown eyes and then touching, kissing, and counting each finger and toe.

What an amazing miracle this little person was that God allowed me to carry and nuture for ten months (only men say nine months!).  Every bit of her identity already inside of her-a pint sized, fully equipped person with unique DNA, personality, and fingerprints. 

 

Miracle.

 

My experience was no less impactful with our next two precious little girls, Rylee and Kaymaen.  While they didn't keep me up at night with movement, their sweet chubby bodies-right down to those hairy little heads!-were perfectly made, "fearfully and wonderfully," just as God intended.  Every toe and finger imprinted with a pattern my heart already knew and understood.  God knew the number of hairs on each head, all the days He had planned for each-as He whispered to our aching hearts.

They both defied all odds...unbent, unyielding, and undefined by their diagnosis...but rather by who they were to those that loved them so very dearly.

 

Miracles.

 

I know we've mentioned "miracles" before in previous blog posts.  Yet, somehow I thankfully can't seem to get past these quiet moments so many walk by. 

Miraculous moments unseen, unnoticed, unremarked upon.

 

We all crave them.  Those "outstanding moments" that can only be described as "divine intervention." 

 

While waiting for that Dead Sea moment to part turmoil in our life.

While crying out for a heart breaking diagnosis to be a mistake.
While watching a loved one make decisions that you know will only hurt them.

 

But here's the thing...what are we missing in the meantime? 

 

Experiences that strengthen our resolve.

Miracle.

Having additional time to make ammends, correct past regrets.

Miracle.

Learning to love someone with an abiding unconditional love.

Miracle.

 

Everyone has different miracles in their life.  An "extraordinary event" that causes them to catch their breath.  A moment so seared into the deepest part of one's heart that its meaning redefines your very being.  An "accomplishment" that reminds you of who you are...and who you have the potential to become.

 

We embrace fully and are so thankful for the miracles in our life.

A marriage tried by fire, shaken with sorrow, and full of laughter and acceptance.

A friendship with a spouse who knows the darkest parts of you, yet loves you because of it...not in spite of it.

Two imperfect people meeting and making three gloriously beautiful, sweet daughters-heads full of hair, chubby dimpled bodies, and lanky legs.

Finding grace and mercy in the midst of the mind numbing, heart breaking sadness of losing a child.

Friends that somehow became family along the way-standing in the gap for us, lifting us up constantly in prayer, sharing each sorrow with us, and cheering with joy for us.

Understanding that throughout the tapestry of our family's life is this common thread of faith and hope in Him.

 

Miracles don't always come in big earth shattering packages. 

 

Jericho's walls crumbling at a trumpet sound.  The sick receiving a Savior's touch and being healed.  A little boy conquering a giant with a sling and pebble, then later becoming king.  A man stinking of three days death, walking out of a tomb alive.

 

Most often miracles move in small, quiet ways...not in the storm, the fire, the wind...
but in the moments of stillness where you realize the life God gave you...
is the miracle.

 

Jeremiah 17:8-9

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river,

and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green;

and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

 

 

Just hanging out!

We haven't posted in awhile.  Primarily because we've had a difficult six months.  Just as we think we've got Rylee all figured out...she tosses us another curveball.  Overall, Rylee is extremely healthy and stable most of the time-remarkable for a child with comprehensive medical needs. 

She is still doing awesome-seriously, my kids are amazing!-but we've had a marked increase in seizure activity.

Because of this change and the health issues of several extended family members over the winter-we've been forced to stop, assess, and "recalculate."  Aaron & I had to deeply examine and evaluate the things that are really important in the here and now of our family life-which has meant letting go and giving things over daily.  (Let me be totally honest, sometimes I gotta let go hourly, minute by minute!)

It hasn't been easy, there's been bumps and stumbles along the way, and sometimes it pains the heart-but the left over feeling is one of deep appreciation.

Appreciation for our loving, peaceful, humor filled home.  Appreciation for the people God has placed in our life at just the right time.  Appreciation for the opportunities He continually puts in our path.  Appreciation for our friends and family who have loved us deeply and "nothing wavering" over the past six months-without fully knowing what was going on. 

Appreciation for the opportunity to have another summer together.  A summer full of giggles, kick-the-can, lightening bug capture & releases, a week at the beach to breathe deeply, pool time, late night s'mores by the fire pit, cookouts and movie nights, ridiculous made up "let's celebrate because we can" parties with our sweet friends and their children, and camp outs in the backyard.

If we haven't told you lately how much we appreciate you...thank you. 
Thank you for loving us through our worst times. 
Thank you for cheering from the sidelines and stands for our family during the best times. 
Thank you for praying for us and encouraging us. 
Thank you for supporting us as we make decisions for Rylee and our family.

If every family was loved on and supported the way we've been...imagine what could be accomplished?

Kisses and deeply felt "hold on til you tear up" hugs from our family to yours.

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." - Numbers 6:24-26