"These happy golden years are passing by, these happy golden years." Laura Ingalls Wilder

Saturday, December 22, 2007

A Family Christmas Outing



Most Sundays of late I've been a shut-in so to speak; not able to get to church. However ... not able to get to church is not the same as not being part of God's church family. It is just a season for the moment ... until circumstances change. I look forward to having my husband living at home permanently in a few more months. We have both sacrificed our togetherness for the time being to start a new chapter in our lives. A move that has been done in planned stages and transitions ... carefully laid out and blessed by God. So until he returns home permanently, to be my helpmate once again, I must rest in God's grace being content with our current situation (being the caretaker of our special needs son, Nathan). Nathan has issues that place a great burden on me in regards to getting to church. Having Down syndrome and some autistic traits I am unable to just head off to church on Sunday morning with him. Most churches do not have accommodations for such children. Big church is too bright and loud. Sunday school is too overstimulating and he needs a one to one aide just to keep an eye on him. A quiet room with books and a Bible story movie, two or three other children and a teacher is about as much as he can take. I have faith that God has plans and hubby and I can once again be in church fellowship that hopefully includes our son. Tonight I was reading the paper and saw that two local churches are having drive through nativities this weekend. Now this is something we can participate in as a family and bring Nathan along too. He will feel quite secure observing from the back seat of our truck. We've been reading the Christmas story about the birth of Christ to him from a simple little Golden Book. I'm sure he will make the connection as we drive through the church's parking lot and see Mary and Joseph ... the baby Jesus ... the manger scene ... and the live animals. Simple truth that Nathan can understand ... simple truth that a great percentage of people pass up.

14 comments:

Sara said...

Sounds like the perfect Christmas service to me Mrs. Mac. Have had a burden for many years about how churches can better serve special needs kids and their families. Will pray that you find the folks who have the gifts Nathan needs.

Pat said...

This post really touched me. You've done such a wonderful job of getting your new home built and ready for the next phase of your life, all the time honoring God for his blessings.
I think that Nathan (and most kids)will get more of out the drive thru nativity then sitting through a long church service. What a wonderful experience for him and you his parents as you watch him with the wonder of it all in his eyes. I wish I could be there too.

Amrita said...

Your have such a soft heart for Nathan.May the Lord reveal Himself to him as you take him to church.Jesus will reveal Himself to nathan.
God bless.

Jada's Gigi said...

Wonderful idea!! love your last few posts! so happy your hubby got to be home a bit, hope its for Christmas too! I knwo what its like to make sacrifices for your future so hang in there sister..God has a plan and grace for the moment too.
love the photos of the baby..he is adorable! Merry Christmas! and watch out for that butt ointment! LOL

Tammy and Parker said...

Such a beautiful post. I'm not able to take Parker to church either due to his health. But he and I still pray and have a simple lesson here at home.

Michelle said...

thank you so much for stopping by! I was cleaning out bloglines awhile ago and accidently somehow lost some blogs! Now I've got it saved again. I can't believe how big your grandson is now!

Merry Christmas!

Terry said...

Hi Mrs. Mac....Thank you for the visit!
I will be back later on tonight to get caught up with you but I am sorry to say that the beautiful rain has almost cleaned up all the snow so I am crossing my fingers for a green Chrismas...Ha!!
Love Terry

PS Therefore there will be NO snow fights...... YET!!!!

Pat said...

I just clicked on your "new house" blog - I almost missed that whole beautiful scenario! I've been missing seeing your house pictures, so I'm glad I happened to go over there. It's so beautiful! What a great Christmas you will all have together in your new place1

Saija said...

good post ... i'm so glad you shared that ...

leo & i haven't been a part of a church family in many years because leo can't sit, stand, or crouch very long ... and most services are too long for folks like him ...

i am amazed how God has still sent folks to us who we can fellowship with ... and then we have each other - and where "2 or more are gathered in My name ... " He has promised to be in our midst ...

blessings to you and Merry Christma!

Constance said...

Even Jesus said we are to be like little children.

I've enjoyed our bloggy friendship this past year and wish all of you and your a Blessed Christmas. May 2008 be all shiny and new, the whole year through!

Merry Christmas from the Lone Star State!
Connie

Mrs. Darling said...

Children understand the simple story of Jesus birth yet wise men discredit it!

Have a merry Christmas Mrs Mac. Joy to you and yours!

Jim said...

Merry Christmas, MM.

Yes, you are a very good mother, I'm glad you can teach Nathan the Christmas story.
..

Deb said...

Simple Truth.

God's Greatest Gift.

May you have a blessed Christmas!

Terry said...

Merry Christmas dear Mrs. Mac to you and your whole family.
Thank you for wishing me a green Christmas but just before Christmas eve even approached the Ontario skies dumped a whole load of the white stuff all over the place!..
But I must admit that it is kind of pretty, although too dry to make a decent snowball to throw at you or even make the little gift a proper Canadian snowman!!

Have a terrific day in your established new home!!

Give the dawg the drum stick at least...It is Christmas!!...Love Terry