Wow! There is so much to be thankful for this year!! I think this has been hands-down one of the most difficult years of our lives but has given us by far the most blessings. Here are just a few:
Jordan's long time dream of becoming a firefighter has come true thanks to the amazing and humbling support of friends and family.
The birth of our third child when we didn't think having another baby was possible and her good health despite her early arrival.
Essi starting school and watching her grow into her own little person.
And finally, our on-going journey with Christ: Intensely studying His attributes and how they should be reflected in us. And learning this most practically through none other than our 4 year-old son. Through a Kindergarten lesson, we’ve learned that “If I stay in Jesus, I will bear much fruit.”
Love--Joy--Peace--Patience--Kindness--Goodness--Faithfulness--Gentleness--Self-control
We have seen Silas display each of these attributes in ways we didn't think were humanly possible. Of course, he is a typical 4-year boy and he has his moments, especially with his sister. But in regards to his disease and what he's been dealt in his short life so far, we have seen the very hand of God on him. In reality, we have personally encountered Jesus himself. There is something to be said for having faith like a child; we as adults have so much to learn!
This is a little boy who has been sick since the day he was born was but has never complained: Never.
In fact, he presents so well that people have no idea the battle that rages in his little body. It's easy to forget the severity of his disease when all he does is smile. Really. He even smiles when everyone around him is eating, and often times eating his very favorite things. We know that this is affecting him more than he displays but we pray over him and truly believe that God has given an incredible abundance of these "fruits." Maybe God knew that in taking away the fruits he could eat, He would be blessing Sy more with the ones of the Spirit.
So, as we will be, we respectfully ask each of you on this major-food centered holiday to stop and say an extra prayer for Silas.
Say an extra prayer of thanksgiving for your health and your ability to eat.
And if you are really up for a challenge, maybe even withhold eating one of your most favorite Thanksgiving treats just to get a glimpse into our Sy Sy's life. You may be surprised by what you experience! Comment and let us know how it goes.
Thanks for journeying with us and have a Happy Thanksgiving!
