Many years ago when we
learned that our 3 year old daughter, Betsy, was diagnosed, "mentally retarded
with an IQ of 50," we didn't think life could be any worse. We learned that it's
ok to grieve because it helps us understand what or who we are missing. Betsy
would never be "normal" as we imagined as proud parents with dreams for her
future.
However, the best medicine we discovered was thanking God for how He fearfully
and wonderfully created her, unique in His image. Over time our sorrows and
disappointments turned to joy just as God says: "I will give to those who mourn
joy and gladness instead of grief, a song of praise instead of sorrow. They will
be like trees that the LORD himself has planted. They will all do what is right,
and God will be praised for what he has done (Isaiah 61:3). Neither are we
"Forsaken" or "Desolate"; but rather, "My Delight is in you" (62:4).
May the Lord bless you when you grieve and give your desires over to Him with
praise and thanksgiving.