James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
It was almost 11 years ago when I attended the first ARD meeting for my son. At that time, these meetings were called IEP (Individual Education Plan) meetings. My son was 8 years old and in the second grade. We knew something wasn’t right in first grade so we held him back thinking it was just a lack of maturity. After repeating first grade and moving into second grade, something was still amiss. After the school performed a battery of tests, we had our the first official ARD meeting. As long as I live, I will never forget that first ARD meeting. In that conference room surrounded by seven other people who were educators, some special education teachers and the principal. I found myself listening to test results that were devastating to any mom who naturally has hopes and dreams for her child. As I listened to all the things Levi would never do, I felt myself dying inside and wanting to collapse. However, I did not. Something took over (I like to call it the Holy Spirit) that allowed me to finish that meeting with grace and dignity.
I went home to my husband and prayer closet. After sharing this news with my husband, I spent three days in my prayer closet praying and crying out to God. The bible tells us in James 4:8 to draw near to God and He will draw near to you. I felt God speak to me during those days with a message of hope. God didn’t speak in an audible way but in a spiritual way. I felt him say, “Levi will be just fine. He will be a leader for my kingdom”. Now to this day, I don’t understand the last part but I am believing God for all of it. You see I have been steadfastly praying for my son ever since those days in the prayer closet. One scripture that I have prayed many times is James 1:5. I insert Levi’s name in the text asking God to give Levi wisdom and I believe God has done that and will continue to do that over the coming years.
Last week I attended the last and final ARD meeting for my son. My son will graduate next May and today we are going on a college visit. It isn’t a big university but it’s so much more than I was told nearly 11 years ago and I am thankful for the opportunity.
I have learned a big lesson to always leave room for God in the midst of my circumstances. This is where He shows up most if we let him.
Where are you leaving room for God in your circumstances today?
Kim A. Thomas 