One of the most unnerving feelings is walking along, not paying attention and step on something both warm and wet. In our home we have maybe three things that could make such a situation happen. Sarah Anne who is two and in the process of learning and earning the privilege of wearing big girl panties, one of our three dogs who didn’t make it outside in time…or one of Matthew’s gloves that he has been chewing on most of the day. I am not talking just a little damp…I am talking about holding more saliva than knitted raw materials can handle. A glove, if thrown against the wall would probably stick and slide slowly down.
Why would I be thankful for such a thing? The way I see it, especially this week as we take time to celebrate Thanksgiving and recall our many blessings, is that the vast assortment of gloves that Matthew has are a lot like the people in our lives. Family, friends, neighbors, the guy behind the counter at the gas station. Some of them are colorful, some of them look small at first appearance but when stretched show what they are all about, many keep us warm and protected…but some are wet, soggy and uncomfortable at times. Events and experiences would be included in this glove analogy as well.
We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures. – Thornton Wilder
As we enter in to the holiday season and the end of a great year for my me and my family, we have much to be grateful for. A successful open heart surgery for Matthew, a good year for our oldest daughters in 4-H, potty training for Sarah Anne and great news of another child on the way in June of 2012. There has been some heartache as well…rabbits that didn’t make it, fractured relationships with friends, a dog we accepted into our family and had to be returned due to temperament conflicts, saying goodbye to family and friends as they have passed away.
The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. – Psalm 28:7
I am thankful for a family that loves me, even though I fail them at times. Thankful for a wife that loves me, even though I fall short. Thankful for a church family that loves and prays us through the hard times we face. Thankful for the people that God brings into our lives to help care for Matthew. I recall one who was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice of dying to herself and put on one of those soggy, wet gloves at Matthew’s insistence…way to take one for the team Tracey! I am thankful for our “Matthew family” of people who help us when we need it, read this blog and share Matthew with others and pray for us unceasingly.
As we all enter into this holiday season wear all your gloves with the same attitude, acceptance and grace…be thankful for the warm, comfortable ones as well as the wet, soggy ones.
Many have asked if it is okay to share this blog about our Lessons from Matthew…not only is okay, but we emphatically ask that you would. We welcome any chance to show how good God is and how he is working through the power of prayer. You may share by using the link buttons below. I would also love the opportunity to speak and share Matthew with your group, small or large and share our family story. Check out the “Want Kevin to Speak at Your Event” tab at the top of this page.
Another awesome blog Kevin, and a great reminder of what is really important in life…our God, our family and others! Your words are always a blessing, thanks for sharing! Lots of love to the Troupe Family!