Most every Sunday, Nelson, my adult son, and I go to church together. Afterwards, we either go out to eat, or we come back to our house and I cook lunch. We have gotten to the point that we like to cook lunch together and eat in the dining room, while having really great conversation. We have a good time together. Today, we had a great conversation together. It was a great conversation, because we did it in a healthy manner. There were some emotional issues that needed to be addressed and we did it together. It was good to see the hard, painful work that we are putting in at work. My adult son pointed that out to me. I have a hard time seeing that things are getting better. He was quick to point out that the conversation we were having was proof of how our work was changing how we deal with one another. I am very proud of my son. The other great thing that happened was that both Nelson and my adult son said that they were not, "thrilled," about going to family therapy either. They expressed how it was painful for them as well. I was relieved to realize that I was not alone.
Slowly, but surely, we are making progress. Just like the turtle, we eventually will get to the destination of listening to each other, having a safe space for one another within our family, and improved communication. That is our family goal, and we are slowly moving in that direction. God is good. I keep praying. I was doing my Bible Study this morning and the Lord sent me some encouragement. I saw a video that talked about praying about every single thing, especially when you have anxiety. Which I do! I have a new plan of dealing with this situation. I was already praying. Now I am going to pray more. God knows our needs, and listens to our prayers. God loves me, and He loves my family. I have to give everything to Him and know that He has this. I know that God will take care of this situation.
Nelson and I heard a statement today that said, "I made mistakes, and now I get the opportunity to unmake them." This is a comforting thought. God is the God of time. He can give us back the time we have lost. He can take our mistakes and make them turn all the way around. Best of all He is working all of this out for our good. I trust Him. I feel a weight lifting.
Even though, things are going turtle slow, I feel a weight beginning to lift off of my shoulders. the load is getting lighter week by week. How do I know this is happening? Well...First and foremost, I lost 2 pounds this week. LOL It is true! Secondly, I know from today, I no longer feel alone, and I am not a afraid to go to family therapy as I was this morning. That lets me know that God is a work, shifting our life around and making all things new. Will that affect the estrangement we have with our adult daughter? I don't know. I pray that one day it will. Until then, I will keep praying and keep working with my adult son, and other adult daughter, and my husband to improve our family in the best way possible. Remember, the tortoise beat the hair across the finish line. Slow and steady wins the race.
Please remember that you are loved and enough. Comment below, we want to hear your story. Nelson and I want to support you in your journey.
#estrangement #estrangementwithadultchild #slowandsteadywinstherace #mentalhealth #familytherapy #progress
Comments