Thursday, July 26, 2007

Thankful Thursday

Son,

I am so thankful that you are my son. My life, my heart, is filled with gratitude that you have been given to me--to your Dad--to love and to cherish our whole life long!

I am so thankful for your internal strength. No matter the dire circumstance, you have within yourself, the courage and the perseverance to push through, to endure; to fight your way through to the other side. I know, my son, that life has not been easy for you; there have been many obstacles in your way and you have proven time and time again that you are truly an overcomer. I am so grateful that you are alive.

I am so thankful for your sweet spirit; for your love of animals, for your helping heart, for your compassionate care of those in need. Take this time, my son, to care for your own needs; this is not selfish, this not foolish, this is not in vain. For it is only when we are whole that we can offer a piece of ourselves to others without harming our own survival. That is not to say that helping others can only be done when we have it all together! If that were so, no one would be of any service. I simply mean this--it is important to take care of yourself to be able to maintain the energy and the resources you need to effectively care for others. It's just like the star quarterback on a football team. If injured, the quarterback cannot play his best and bring the team to the Super Bowl! He must take a time out, do whatever it takes for his recovery, and it is only then, he can return to the game fully equipped to win.

I am so thankful that you have decided to go into New Seasons. This time out, this treatment, will offer you whatever it is you need to return to the game of life fully equipped to win! Your Dad and I have been like your Coach --and yet, we realize that this is your game. We will relinquish any Coach-control as you enter this treatment facility. Just as the quarterback calls the plays of each game, you, alone, are in control of this play. While we relinquish the control of calling the play(s) any further, we are so thankful for your decision and for your choice in this play and we will be on the sidelines cheering you on, supporting you when you need our help, and moment by moment--praying for you.

And yet, don't get me wrong. I do not want you to think you are ever alone in any matter! A gift so beautiful, a gift unimagineable could not have been a random offering. You, my son, are a gift from God. And He has promised in His Word (the Bible) that He will never leave you. As you are working through this treatment program, listen with your heart--you will feel Him. He will be there with you. I have asked Him to "go before you." From the moment of your conception, you have been covered by His love. As a baby, we 'dedicated' you-- just as in the Old Testament, Hannah brought her son before the LORD to publicly acknowledge, "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD." And he worshiped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:26-28

Son, like Hannah, as your parents we have given each and every day of your life to God. Yes, we sometimes get in the way of His purpose, His plan, His Will; but the beauty of His Way is simple--our weakness is never greater than His power!

Yes, son, I am so thankful that you have within yourself all you will ever need to make this journey complete. Your Creator has "woven you togther" (Psalm 139:15) in such a unique way--so you can be you! The same power used to create is available to you as you begin this restorative process. I tell you this truth, my son, because my belief in who you truly are.....is only surpassed by my belief..... in who God really is.

One day, we all will be thankful for the pain, for the confusion, and yes, even the despair. For it is this very journey that will lead you to contentment, to understanding and to joy. Joy, like the joy you have brought to our hearts, son.

I am so thankful that you....are my son.

Mom

18 comments:

Nadine said...

This tribute was very moving, loving and beautiful. I continue to stand with you in prayer for the best for your son.

Dawn said...

What a beautiful tribute to your love for your son. Even through all the JUNK, we love them unconditionally. I pray that he will find what he needs at this place you have located. What a blessing to know that he will be in a good place where he is being cared for. I am forwarding this to Kev today.

Dawn said...

I forgot - I am listening to the CD that was in my Minnesota basket - love it, and it makes me think of our time together less than a week ago!

Anonymous said...

May God have mercy on your son and may He give him the strength and desire he needs for his recovery. May you all be surrounded with a deep sense of God's love for you. May you all experience His healing from the inside out! Blessings on all of you...

Love Bears All Things said...

I'm so glad your nephew is returning home. What a homecoming that will be!
Mama Bear

Changed by His Love said...

That was so beautiful. It sounds like he is making the change for a new season of life. I am thrilled for you and your family. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Happy Thursday.

Heather Smith said...

This is a beautiful letter, Diane. I especially love the line, "our weakness is never greater than His power." Thank God for that!! Thanks again for all your support!

Mary said...

Praying for you and your son. Thanks for sharing this beautiful letter to him. God is bigger than anything we face. Blessings on your day.

Robin said...

I hope your son truly understands someday how very blessed he is to have you for a mother. Bless your heart today. Thank you for sharing once again, from the depths of your soul. Thank you for being such an encourager.

Lyndy said...

What a lovely letter. I too continue to pray for you and your son.

Thanks for sharing.

Blessings, Lyndy

Diane@Diane's Place said...

I am so thankful that your prodigal is in a place where hopefully he can get the help that he's always needed. I hope he can be made whole again, Diane, and praying that it will be so.

Love and hugs,

Diane

Linda said...

Thank you for sharing your Mother's heart of love for your precious boy Diane. He cannot help but see unconditional love modeled in you and your husband - and know that God loves him in that same way.
I pray for him, with you, that God will use this time to heal, restore and build up your son's spirit. We know the plans He has for him are to prosper him. We wait with love and prayers and loving support to see what the Father will do.

Denise said...

What a precious tribute, bless you dear.

Cheryl said...

Oh, the love a mother has for her son...it just cannot be described...praying for you.

Sharon Lynne said...

I'll be praying for your son. May God continue to give you strength.

Isn't it amazing that God loves our children more than we do? I have to constantly remind myself that.

Chris said...

What a beautiful letter of love to your son. I will continue to pray for your son and your family. God's love is amazing...........
God Bless

Hopeful Spirit said...

Wow, that brought a tear to my eye. Well-written and obviously heartfelt. Your son is very lucky.

groovyoldlady said...

A beautiful song of love from a mother's heart. Thanks for sharing it with us too.

Sometimes I need to be reminded that my own son is a gift!