Saturday, April 5 2 Chronicles 32:7

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him

COMFORT IN GOD

The saying “there`s comfort in numbers” is ironic here in that Assyria apparently had more but the reader/listener is being told that the power is with “us”— a classic “Yes, but ...”

As a people (culture, troop, team, name your group term), we do get more comfort being with others like us. We usually know what to expect when we are with similar people. Knowing what`s going to be happening around us allows us to move forward in our lives.

But, what do we do when we feel like we are all alone? Are we able to see possibilities with the differences around us?

I have the privilege of working with families of students with disabilities. One of my skill sets is helping families realize that they are not alone in working through life challenges with their students. This can mean that I can share community or school resources available to them; that I can make sure that their voice in the process is being acknowledged and addressed; that I can share my own personal story of challenges that my family and I addressed with my own child. The sense of relief that is visible in my families` body language and words is significant in building a positive working relationship with a single focus — our student`s success in working to his or her potential.

Frankly, the world doesn`t always accept individuals with differences easily because the world can be superficial and flighty. I`m fortunate, though, in that I have seen my students achieve great things, like college graduation, jobs in our community and happiness. Achievement comes when there is hope. Hope comes when there is a sense of community. Community comes with acceptance in a group/team/culture.

There`s comfort in numbers. And counting begins with the number one — God — which means we are not alone.

Dear Lord, you are the one who gives me comfort to know I am not alone. You are also the one who is with me as I do your work and as I achieve my successes. Thank you for your presence and for allowing me to share your greatness. Amen

Karen Vlamis

[Yesterday |Lenten Index | Tomorrow]