Was I the only one stunned to realize it is already Daily Savings Time?

Clocks springing forward, weather changes, and seasonal paperwork updates (IEPs, guardianship renewals, medical record reviews, annual budget writing for government benefits, etc.) are things that can strike weariness or frustration in the family impacted by disability. Since establishing well-functioning routines is both essential and hard for us, the time change can create additional stress and stretch.

Over the weekend, I was generating the medication schedule that will allow Carly to transition with the change of clocks (gradually over a couple of days). Larry and I braced for the likely disruption to her sleep schedule. That can last a couple of weeks. It is tempting to anticipate the worst.

As my shoulders drooped and I sighed another prayer, God impressed reminders of hope on me. Friends, we don’t face these things without His presence, power, and daily mercies.

So, today’s post aims to bring a prayer and encouragement. With every challenge, there is more than enough good news.

Challenge…
Clocks springing forward can wreak havoc in the lives of people whose well-being relies on stable routines.

Good news…
Jesus understands how hard it is to adapt to this world. He adopted the nature of mankind while remaining fully God. Jesus’ mission—Divinely born into the flesh to atone for our sins—required the most extreme adaptability scenario ever in history. We can be confident He will help us adjust to changes and challenges too.

Jesus Christ emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Philippians 2:7-8

Challenge…
Rusting wheelchairs parts need replacing after winter ice-melt chemicals.

Good news…
God cares about the details of life that matter to us. Jesus encouraged us to pray “give us this day our daily bread.” Yet throughout God’s Word, we are also reminded to keep our perspective fixed on future and eternal glory.

That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So, we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Challenge…
Individualized Education Plans and 504 Plans are often reviewed and updated this time of year. The associated meetings are time consuming, and can trigger grief, frustration or fear.

Good news…
God is not limited by the best or worst IEP or 504 Plan. A parent or guardian’s advocacy matters. Still, our wisdom, knowledge of the future and influence over others is limited. Even the most well-articulated plans are not always implemented well. We can faithfully, humbly and respectfully persevere in the process. But we must ultimately trust that God loves our children even more than we do. His ultimate purposes will prevail. We can surrender our loved ones to God’s presence, power and goodness.

Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.”
Matthew 19:26

Challenge…
Parents try to find their best-guess answer to an educator’s question, “where do you see your child in the next 5 – 10 years?”

Good news…
God doesn’t guess and His purposes prevail. Jesus holds our children—of every age and stage—in the palm of His hand.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11

Challenge…
Families impacted by disability and other special needs typically require extra resources as summer nears (e.g., adapted bikes/trikes, students and young “mother’s helpers” who are looking for part-time jobs, summer camps and other programs offering accommodations).

Good news…
We can anticipate that God will surprise us with loving provisions. God’s resources are unlimited. His love for you and your family is limitless—too great to fully understand. He empowers you with inner strength through His Spirit.

May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. 
Ephesians 3:19-20

Challenge…
Families with unique and complex needs find attending an Easter service (and family portraits in festive attire) chaotic or disappointing.

Good news…
Christ-loving families can rejoice. Victory at the cross accomplished more than just redemption from sin — it assures us that God’s power and sovereign goodness covers our complicated circumstances and adversity, ensuring great reward for us.

We are called to fill our minds with God’s words. We are also called to fellowship. When participation in church is not possible for a weekend or a season, praise God there are alternatives. Let us also be humble, patient, and gracious teachers among those who are naïve, apathetic or even negligent. Walk Right In Ministries is praying with you that churches who are falling short of their call will be re-inspired by God with ideas, energy and passion to make connection with families like yours.

Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.
Deuteronomy 32:2

Consider reaching out to Walk Right In Ministries if you are feeling lost or isolated this Easter season. Let us help you find satisfying and God-glorifying connection.

On earth as in heaven — come, Lord Jesus!

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9

Lisa Jamieson is a caregiver consultant, pastoral counsellor and author of popular books and Bible studies including Finding Glory in the Thorns and Jesus, Let’s Talk. She leads a weekly online discussion group welcoming caregivers in families living with disability. Lisa and her husband, Larry, are co-founders of Walk Right In Ministries, a non-profit organization building faith and community with special needs families. They live in Minnesota with the youngest of their three grown daughters, Carly, who has Angelman Syndrome.