Burdens and Blessings.

Yesterday was rough, the weather was dreary and so was my mood.  My little man turned one this past week which although a very joyful occasion left me kind of feeling sad for some reason.  I went about the day feeling ungrateful for the many blessings I had and desiring more of the things that don't matter.  I decided that maybe I needed to get out of the house and run some errands.

After a few hours the kids were tired, hungry and definitely NOT in the mood for shoppy shop (as my daughter calls it).

After a short time in Walmart my daughter had seen enough but I still had a few things to get.  I gritted my teeth and sighed, exasperated at every whiney request she made.  Finally, after talking me into getting out of the cart and walking on her own she began to melt down completely.  While bending down to pick her up off the ground during her mini tantrum my eyes caught site of something.

His gait was slow and unsteady as he walked towards us.  His little legs had braces on them and you could tell they were severely malformed.  It took all his effort to swing his feet one in front of the other to take a step, but he was determined. His mother and siblings were far ahead of him and paid no attention to the distance between them.

Eventually our eyes meet and he flashed me the most gorgeous ear to ear grin.  I was taken back by the beauty in this little boy's smile. Despite the physical obstacles and probable pain he was facing to do something most of us take for granted he demonstrated joy.  It was breath taking.  That little boy did more than just smile at me he blessed me despite his life circumstances.

He has been asked to carry a heavy burden.  To look physically different than his peers, to not be able to run and play like them.  To be subject to the name calling and cruelty of the looks he gets from others.

How dare I be so ungrateful for the burdens I have been called to bear.

Those burdens bring me closer to the feet of Jesus.

Those burdens can turn into blessings.

I left the store saying a little prayer that I might run across this little boy again, I have a feeling that someday I will.