Apparently I’ve already posted a “Stay the Course” blog, so here’s part 2!

Our home has seen its share of emotional rollercoasters in the past few weeks. There are some big changes on the horizon, and we are slowly moving toward them. It’s happy and sad and scary and amazing all at once. But beyond the obvious changes, there are the challenges that we deal with every day.

As most of you know, I have four kids. Presently they range in age from almost 8 to 16. One of them has quite a few medical diagnoses and behavioral concerns. Invisible disabilities that can be so difficult to navigate.

We do our best to handle the ups and downs of life on this earth, but having a child with special needs has its own unique struggles. Often (almost always) unseen for those outside our four walls.

Home is a safe place for our child… which is a nice way of saying it’s precisely the place where they act out.

And since I try to write with honesty, I will tell you: I’m exhausted.

I also try to write with encouragement… so I’m here. I’m showing up when I’d rather not, hoping to help those who can relate to my story (and maybe even those who can’t).

Today is the first day of summer break, and thankfully we’ve had a pretty good day. Only a couple outbursts and moments of defiance. Not much physical aggression.

But the weeks leading up to this day have been some of the hardest. I got to the point where I didn’t feel like I could keep going on this path. It was too much; it was too hard.

Our child’s mobile therapist told me: “You have to stay the course.”

The words woke me up, partly because a few other people who see glimpses of the tension have said these same words in the past couple months. A psychologist, my mom, probably my counselor… “stay the course.”

At first glance the words frustrate me. This course is not without pain and heartache. This course will get worse before it gets better.

It’s easy to lose sight of faith, hope and love on this course.

So I write their matching words down and let it encourage my soul. I receive them for all they’re worth. I let them stir up boldness and bravery, the grit and courage to keep going. To be kind. To love well. To simply not quit.

You have to stay the course. Even if you don’t feel like it. Even if you don’t feel like you can. Even if you need to rest for a moment. Even if you need help. One foot in front of the other, step by step, one day at a time.

The enemy would love for us to get off track. To forget that our Good Guide is with us. To forsake our first Love. To abandon ship. To leave the course to try to find an easier one.

But God has a plan for you – a glorious and detailed plan. One that turns ashes to beauty and evil to good. It might not always make sense but He will always be with you.

It matters where you’re going, and it also matters how you get there. The journey is filled with lessons to learn and joy to experience. The race is created to be run. The adventure is meant to be lived.

The Bible is full of wisdom and motivation to endure. So many stories and people, verses and truths to help us persevere.

“Barricade the road that goes Nowhere; grace me with your clear revelation. I choose the true road to Somewhere, I post your road signs at every curve and corner. I grasp and cling to whatever you tell me; God, don’t let me down! I’ll run the course you lay out for me if you’ll just show me how. God, teach me lessons for living so I can stay the course. Give me insight so I can do what you tell me— my whole life one long, obedient response. Guide me down the road of your commandments; I love traveling this freeway! Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot. Divert my eyes from toys and trinkets, invigorate me on the pilgrim way. Affirm your promises to me— promises made to all who fear you. Deflect the harsh words of my critics— but what you say is always so good. See how hungry I am for your counsel; preserve my life through your righteous ways!” Psalm‬ ‭119:29-40‬ ‭(MSG‬‬)

I need God to show me how to run the race He’s marked out for me. I need God to teach me how to live so I can stay the course. I need God to refresh me as I walk the pilgrim way.

When I get to the end of my life, I want to have the same confidence and resolve as Paul:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7‬ ‭(NIV‬‬)

“This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way.” – 2 Timothy‬ ‭4:7 (MSG‬‬)

Fight this good fight. Finish your race. Keep the faith.

Whatever is weighing you down today, whatever burdens you’re carrying, whatever area of your life feels too much… stay the course. You’ve come so far. If His breath is in your lungs, you’ve still got life to live. Keep going.

Keep your eyes fixed on Father. Keep your heart focused on Jesus. Keep your ears open to Holy Spirit.

Stay the course.