“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

I’ve heard this quote many times and it’s often caused me to pause for a moment of self-reflection.  But this quote has taken on new meaning in the past 20 months.  Comparing my child who’s had a brain injury to a child the same age who has not had a brain injury will most definitely steal my joy.

I think we’ve all had moments we’ve compared our children to others, especially when trying to determine if they’re hitting their developmental milestones on time.  However, I’ve found in this season, more than any other, that I cannot allow myself to do this.  Nehemiah 8:10 tells me that the joy of the Lord is my strength.  It’s no coincidence the enemy would target my joy, is it?  He wants to strip me of my strength.  I cannot look at development charts that tell me the many things Judah should be able to do by now.  I cannot compare him to other children his age who are walking, feeding themselves, and talking.  I have to keep my eyes focused on the victories and not the defeats.  I need to keep my eyes fixed on God’s Word, His promises, and what He declares about my son.  He sees my son healed and whole.  He sees my son perfect, complete, lacking nothing. And as I keep my eyes on Him, His love for me, and His love for Judah I find my joy, my peace, and the endurance I need to continue this good fight of faith.

“for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b