He led them with a cloud by day and with a light of fire all night.
Psalm 78:4
How cool would that be- to have a visible Spiritual GPS system? Wouldn’t it be awesome to have no doubt about how to navigate through life with it’s many decisions? If I had visible confirmation if I should stay put or go forward?
Ha! Reality Check. I say I’d that, but I know my own impatience to get going and get something done.
What if the Glory Cloud or Pillar of Fire moved on and I didn’t want to?
Or what if I wanted to get going or go in a certain direction and God’s presence just stayed there- immovable?
Uncertainty and confusion marked our journey 18 years ago when Bethany was born. Looking back down the road traveled, it reminds me of the “footprints in the sand” illustration; I can see He was walking with us- and yes, even carrying us along the way.
It’s obvious to me now, that God has been leading us every step of the way (though most mundane and repetitive days, I’ve felt like I’m groping my way through this “special needs land”) Thank God, not even my doubt or stumbling could circumvent Him leading us to where He wants us to be.
And now- the elusive milestone is here. The tipping point into adulthood and responsibility! Bethany has said a least 100 times in this, her Senior year- “Mom, it’s really happening! It’s really happening!”
After years of methodical, intentional, line by line learning, opportunity is knocking and the “Cloud of God” is moving- and we’re following. First, God opened the doors and provided Bethany with an internship to work at a Christian pre-school while finishing her senior year. (click here to read more about it)
Next, an opportunity we thought was closed to us (because of home schooling) was opened to Bethany. (Similar to the parting of the Red Sea- we stood and watched the waters part! š )
The University of Kansas (KU) offers limited spots/year for a post high school transitional program for individuals with disabilities. The wide Project SEARCH provides the next step in education and three different 9 week workplace internships.
A few weeks ago, Bethany completed a 2 1/2 hour interview with other students. Finally, we received the email that God had opened the door! The cloud of glory is moving! Rejoicing here as we see God’s invisible hand working out His good plans in our lives! Here’s Bethany’s reaction!
Oh the places you’ll go sweet Bethany!!! God has both you and Mom in this wonderful adventure we call life. Yes….every day, every moment is His gift to us. I pray we can meet someday soon…..but from the beginning you’ve always been on my heart. Thank you for sharing your journey with us! Love you guys!!
Thanks Sarah! We’d love to have you come visit or meet up with you sometime! <3 As always, I'm humbled and blessed by your sweet support and encouragement. I truly feel God has given Bethany a "Believers Tribe" of encouragement to help her run her race. Hugs
What a blessing to find this in my inbox this morning. As always, your words warm my heart. Congratulations to your beautiful Bethany! And congrats to you and Jeff as well. You’ve provided her with exactly what she needed to move on to this next phase in her life.
And thanks for sharing the video. Her reaction to the news was so fun to watch.
I’ve missed chatting with you, Cindy. Hope all is well with you and your precious tribe.
Thank you, Susan for your sweet and encouraging words! It’s been an exciting, twisting, roller coaster year in our tribe but God is so good. Bethany is having the time of her life and shes’ really excited to go to get out of high school and “meet some boys!” lol I think we have plenty adventures ahead.
I’ve missed writing and chatting with you as well. I hope things are going well for you? hugs and blessings
So glad to see your Surprising Treasures up and posting again! Bethany’s story enriches all that know her. You described it so well. Love you very much. To God be the glory for Bethany’s journey, but you have been God’s instrument in many, many ways.
Thanks babe. To God be the glory, but just to add- YOU have been a wonderful part of making her life sweeeeet, also. We’re so blessed to get to go on this journey together!
Yes!! Congrats Bethany!
Heb 13:5 Let your manner of living be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have. For He hath said, āI will never leave thee, nor forsake theeā;
Thanks for sharing in our joy, John! It’s been a long road, and you know how we have to seek and trust the Lord for each day and into the future for our precious children He’s entrusted us with. The journey is not without its twists and turns but the Lord is guiding us with His goodness! Blessings to you and yours!