When we think of receiving blessings we often associate the term with some form of good fortune, whether it is an unexpected pay raise, good health, obedient children or frankly any outcome that we would consider favorable.
While we use the word blessing or blessings to describe these conditions, I believe, if we are not careful, we could be describing the pagan idea of luck rather than divine favor. The difference being that luck can be good or bad but God’s favor is always good – even if it does not always appear that way.
Take for instance a Family I recently visited. They had just lost their son who had been struggling all his life with severe medical problems.
Gabriel, their son, was born with an encephalocele, a rare type of birth defect that affects the brain. His condition left him with the developmental capacity of an infant; he was both deaf and blind, he had a seizure disorder and suffered from multiple bouts of pneumonia – these were just a few of the physical challenges he had to endure.
One can only imagine the trials this child faced on a daily basis not to mentioned the strain this left on his parents and siblings. However, despite the many challenges this Family had to overcome, they described their experience as a “blessing.”
When I sat down with Gabriel’s parents, Donnie and Jamey, they shared one of the most incredible stories of faith, courage, hope and love I had ever heard.
When Jamey and Donnie first learned that Gabriel would be born with severe defects they were certainly devastated, as any parent would be, but chose to trust God despite being told their son had only a 1 percent chance of surviving birth.
To the surprise of his physicians, Gabriel lived. A few days later he had brain surgery and was given about an 11 percent chance of survival following that procedure.
Time after time the odds always seemed to be stacked against Gabriel, yet time and time again, Gabriel pulled through.
Finally, the doctors stopped giving Donnie and Jamey a prognosis, or better stated, their best guesses and just said to expect that any day could be his last.
Probably not the most professional advice I am sure, but it seemed to be the most reasonable considering the remarkable outcomes. Gabriel lived just short of his 7th birthday, but his memory and the impact he left on those around him continues to live on.
Jamey mentioned how well-meaning people would say that she must have had to put her life on hold because of her son’s challenges – she disagrees with this view.
Jamey said taking care of Gabriel was one of her life’s greatest joys. Sure, it came with great responsibility, sleepless nights and many tears, but she followed the doctors’ advice and lived every day like it would be his last. Every moment was cherished.
Her experience allowed her to trust God more and appreciate the more important aspects of life – faith, Family and friends.
Donnie had a similar reply. He explained how Gabriel made him want to be a better man. He saw how his son struggled, yet did so without complaint – as if he did not have a care in world.
He showed me photo after photo of his son who always seemed to wear a smile despite his daily struggles. He even shared a short video clip where I had the chance to see and hear him giggling and playing around as any other happy child his age.
Donnie told me that he drew strength from Gabriel, and like his wife, Jamey, gained a new perspective on life that he otherwise would not have experienced had it not been for his son – or in his words, his “miracle.”
Even Gabriel’s brother, Tristan, chimed in to our conversation and spoke of the joy his brother brought to his life. The fun times they shared together, and how much his little brother meant to him.
This experience has inspired Tristan to possibly be a physician when he gets older.
In the following days after spending time with this Family I heard countless stories of Gabriel’s influential life; a life that seemed characterized by 1 Corinthians 13, subtitled “The way of Love.” And more specifically verse 13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
While a blessing may not come in the form of what we may expect, we can embrace the fact that God’s blessings are always good and that “in all things God works for the good of those who love him” – Romans 8:28).
This amazing Family undoubtedly faced many trials, but the joy and strength they displayed should be an encouragement to us all. It was only fitting that their son would be named Gabriel, which literally means – God is my strength.