Tag: purpose

Encouragement, Life Coaching

Tests

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testSo when you think or see the word TEST what comes to your mind?  For me, it is flashbacks to my school days full of high anxiety and stress.  I was a shy, overweight child and suffered from low self esteem.  But at an early age I realized that I just might have some smarts in my brain.  So I piled all my worth into school and grades.  All through my school days, I drove my family crazy, especially on nights before a test.  I made them quiz me, I poured over my notes, memorizing every detail, every fact.  Yes, all of it paid off and I got the marks I wanted but with it came a stomach ulcer when I was 16 years old.  Tests were not my friend and I shiver when I think of taking a test today.

I am currently taking Stress Management as one of my Life Coaching classes.  I am learning a lot about what stress does to the body and ways to manage it.  The instructor made a statement this past week that has stuck in my head and is the thought behind this blog post, “there is no testimony without a test.”  As you have discovered my feelings about tests, I have mulled over in my brain the tests I have taken not in the school classroom but in the classroom of life.  Life tests that have pushed me beyond where I thought I could go.

Let me name some of my tests:   growing up with a special needs aunt; being overweight and insecure; losing my father; coping with being a special needs parent; Brad’s work accident; Brad’s lung surgery; Bryson’s Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis.  These have been some of the BIG tests in my life.   There have been a lot of smaller tests too.

As I think about these tests, I shiver about some of them too.  I didn’t like these tests! The difference with these tests then the tests at school, (except for the pop quizzes) I didn’t have time to study and prepare, they just happened many without warning.  So what am I to do with these tests?  I am learning that these tests are what have shaped me into who I am today, they have become my testimony.   I am realizing that just as each of the tests that we had to take in school were to measure progress, each of my life tests have been to measure my faith in God, my love for family and my values.  These tests have given me my purpose, my passion and a voice to encourage and help others.

Tests can be hard and they can be life changing, I encourage you to reflect on the tests that you have experienced in your life and see how God can use them and your testimony for His glory.  If you would like some accountability in discovering the purpose and plan God has for you, contact me at lisa@lisajplett.com.

Encouragement, Special Needs

Emotions in my heart

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bryson and refI have been a basket of mixed emotions this past week as I have watched my son Bryson, be embraced by the Fairfield Football team and coaches.  This is Bryson’s third year of managing, so it isn’t a new thing but it is different because as a 9th grader, he has been thrust into the “big leagues” of high school football.

Listening to his nonstop talk about where the next game is to be played and analyzing if the team is ready to win is interesting but also exhausting.  Bryson is a BIG dreamer, he has shared how he wants to lead the Fairfield Varsity team out onto the field when they get to the State finals at Lucas Oil Stadium. He also dreams of coaching the Colts some day.  He doesn’t think small, he believes all things are possible.  This quality has and will take him far but we, as his parents, have had many situations in his first 15 years where we have had to squash his dreams and tell him No, that isn’t possible for him and helped him to refocus his dreams.  Just one example of refocusing has been from playing football to managing football.

This is why my heart swells with gratitude for the Fairfield football team and coaches, as he has started his high school managing career.  I have not had to squash his dream about wanting to work with Coach Miller or his excitement about being on the sidelines on Friday nights. This dream is coming true and in ways that bring tears to my eyes.  Caring parents and coaches who are making sure he gets what he needs and feels apart of the program.  A coach who has just started getting to know Bryson, notices his love for Notre Dame football and gives him two tickets to the home opener.  Giving him the task at the varsity game of taking water to the refs during the game, those acts of giving and including are what Bryson’s dreams are made of, chances and opportunities.

My heart is full of emotions.   As a mother you only want the best chances and opportunities for your child.  But when you have a child with special needs, it looks different.  When you know that his opportunities are limited, the little things are what really matter.  Over the years I have allowed my heart to harden in trusting people to give my boy a chance, an opportunity.  Time and time again I have been humbled at the kindness and love Bryson has received.  So why do I continue to doubt?  As I sit here and ponder that question, I’m not really sure of the answer.  Maybe it is just the protective mother’s heart, willing to jump and attack anyone who just might hurt their child.  I don’t know but with  tears falling down my cheeks, I do know that I can let my heart soften, that I can trust because I know I have seen with my own eyes people loving, giving and embracing my son just as he is.  Maybe that is all I really want anyway, I want people to see the value in my son, even though he can’t play the game or he won’t get a high school diploma.  Each child has been placed on this earth for a purpose and plan by our Heavenly Father and I know and believe that through the kindness of family, friends, coaches, teachers and classmates, that Bryson will discover what his purpose here is and that makes this mom’s heart swell with gratitude to all who are helping shape him and who love him just for who he is.  Thank you.