Dear ones, I really appreciate this post from our new contributor Janelle in relationship to chronic illness. So often in my battle with adrenal fatigue I would feel the mom guilt over my limited capacity. Dear reader, may this encourage you that It is Enough! ~Jenny
As parents, we want to do what is best for our kids. We sacrifice so that they can grow up Christlike, strong, selfless, confident and healthy. These are goals that we all should strive for, and there is nothing wrong with them. But what happens when we feel like we are not doing enough?
A few years ago, I noticed that some of my children were DIFFERENT. At first, I pushed it off to slow maturation and let it go, but after a while, I realized that the problems were not fixing themselves. Finally, we sat down and admitted that something was wrong. I began to look into symptoms, talk to people, and finally realized that our daughter had Aspergers and our son had severe Dyslexia and double vision.
We took our son to vision therapy, but realized soon after that we could not afford the hefty price tag that came with the therapy. Thankfully the doctor and staff were very gracious and sent us home with some information and exercises that we could use to continue to help him. A friend came to me while we were still trying to figure out what was going on with our son, and she reminded me to pray about it. In the worries and the struggles, I had forgotten to pray! I began to pray that God would show us the answers to help us, and over several months, we began to get answers. We finally ended up at a pediatric endocrinologist who diagnosed him as well with pre-clinical type 1 diabetes.
For our daughter with Aspergers, things were not as simple. The public school gave us the run around for testing. Finally we decided not to mess with it and to consult with as many people as had experience to learn how to work with her. While reading books and talking with others, I was inundated with new diet ideas that would supposedly help her, as well as supplements that would help her with daily issues. Unfortunately, there was no way we could afford any of these helps! I googled ALOT of stuff. I also joined groups that allowed me to learn from others; from their successes and failures. But still, I felt like I wasn’t doing enough. I kept wishing, if only I had enough money, I would be able to afford the therapy for my son, or learn some new intervention techniques for my daughter that would heal her. These thoughts were always in the back of my mind torturing me.
One day, I went to an autism session with a friend. The man speaking brought up a point in an article* during his speech. During this article he pointed out that fancy treatments, amazing supplements and the rest of the recommended things in the world may or may not help with autism. It was during that time, that the Holy Spirit spoke to me and said that “It is enough” . I was doing enough for what my kids needed right now. I am learning to accept that, and realize for right now, what we do on a daily basis, is what God has called me to do right now, not yearn for things I am unable to accomplish or afford.
We all struggle with “mom guilt”. Many moms struggle with the fact that they work outside the home while their kids grow up. Some struggle with not being able to take their kids to every single activity that they desire. Some struggle with not having the money to let your kids have instruments,or to allow them the one thing they REALLY want. To all of you I say, “It is enough”. This is what God has called you to do right now. Don’t let Satan discourage you that you are doing enough to help your children be successful in life.
Matthew 11:28- 30 says; “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
*http://theneurotypicalmom.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-cured-my-sons-autism-with-granola.html
Note: There is some language that I do not endorse on this blog.
Janelle is a homeschooling mom to 4 of her 7 kids. She loves encouraging other moms in the overwhelming world of parenting and homeschooling! Her kids make her laugh and shake her head in horror on a daily basis! She uses her Norwex business to help them clean up the messes they leave behind! 