Unexpected Connections - my story

[momandwifeoftype1s]

I thought I'd share this with you. I spoke about it at church on Mother's Day.

I have been a stay-at-home mother of two boys for the last six years. It has been a tremendous blessing for me to be home for my boys as they bloom and mature. Throughout the past six years, I have worked part-time as a swim instructor, an art teacher, a child-care provider, and a retail associate at a scrapbooking store – always searching for the right fit and a feeling of fulfillment. Although I enjoyed all of my jobs, especially my role as a mom, I was sensed that something was missing and that my talents were not being used in the way that God wanted me to use them.

We moved to the Southest last year, and I decided to concentrate on our move and making new friends. I put my career on the back-burner, and threw myself into the role of a stay-at-home mom of two children with special needs. But, I still felt that I was not doing enough to help other children, and that I was not fulfilling God’s purpose for my life. I prayed for God to use my teaching ability and love to make a difference in a child’s life. I had no idea how I would accomplish this goal without working full-time in the school setting or going back to school to get a graduate degree.

Out of the blue, Grant’s Special Education teacher called me in November to ask me if I would be interested in a job as an Autism Tutor. The job fit my schedule, was a chance to do something with my teaching degree, and the pay was good. I decided to “go for it” despite my lack of experience working with children with Autism. This was a leap of faith – faith that I would not fail and that God would fill me with the power of His Spirit to make a connection with a child who needs me.

A few weeks ago, when I came to work at the child’s home, I noticed that her mother was reading a religious book. I had an overwhelming urge to tell her about what I had been thinking about in the shower and while I was driving on the way to work that morning. I told the mom about my prayers several months ago for God to help me make a difference in a child’s life. The mother had tears in her eyes and her voice got shaky as she told me that when her daughter was diagnosed with Autism in November, she had prayed that God would send the right person to help her and that she believes that person was me. I had been praying in November for the right opportunity to help a child, and she had been praying in November for someone to help her child. God had it in His plan all along for us to be connected!

My pastor sent me a quote from Frederick Buechner, who defined vocation as “that intersection of where your deep hunger intersects with the world’s great need”. She also wrote that we can only really change the world one life at a time. I believe that God’s Spirit has guided me to fulfill His purpose for me – and in the most unpredictable way and time.

Note: the child has just said "I love you" for the first time to her mom this month. She was non-verbal when I started working with her. I feel very blessed to be a part of this child's life.

[LJS118]

That is one of the most touching stories i've ever heard. I always believe God has a plan for all of us. I also feel that everything has a reason and a purpose and there's no coincidences or accidents. You truly are an angel to this family.

[momandwifeoftype1s]

Thank you! That doesn't quite seem the right response because I'm overwhelmed with what you wrote. I think I'm just an ordinary mom with extraordinary compassion and love. But - I definitely do believe that God has a divine plan for all of us.

Amy

[lynn]

What a faith-building story. Thank you for the reminder that God is ALWAYS working things out.

[Treysmom]

Such a beautiful story. Thank You for that.

[GaPeach]

I'm glad that you titled this post Unexpected Connections. Some would have said Unexpected Coincidence or Circumstance.

I believe that it God ordained and a definite answer to prayer.

[tiffanie1717]

Thank you for sharing that! I love to see how God works in each other's lives to bring us together just when we need each other most! It's so wonderful! Glad you found what He had for you!

[toohughey]

I just read a book called The Shack by William P. Young. It has ln interesting take on the relationship we have with God.

TRACY

[Caydens_Mommy]

I think this is a great story.. I think you are a wonderful person and are obviously really helping some little girl alot.. She has come a long way from the sounds of things.. That's great.. I hope that you are able to continue to help many many people in the future..

[OSUMom]

Thanks for sharing - miraculous! I sometimes feel I keep my life so busy that I don't hear that inner voice, God's voice, speaking. I love "Be Still and know that I am God" because it reminds me. Psalm 46:10 How awesome for you to listen, take note, and move on it!!