Above and Beyond
When my quadruplets turned one, we had a HUGE birthday celebration.
With our family and friends present, we shared our theme and vision for our family.
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to his power that is a work within us, to him be glory in the church and In Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!
The seed of our vision.
From the moment I was told I was pregnant with four babies, told they would not all live and at any moment I could lose one or more, I was faced with a choice. I asked myself:
"What do I believe?"
"What is the truth? What can I imagine?"
"Do I believe what I cannot not see?"
"Do I believe nothing is impossible with God?"
The choice to believe in what I can imagine and truly "see" it with visualization has created a new way of living for me.
From that first year birthday to the 23rd birthday of my children, throughout my life transitions and new seasons, I have held on, practiced and desperately believed in
VISION.
During my Positive Psychology training, I discovered the depth of science behind it.
Neuroscientist Ian Robertson of Trinity College, Dublin, author of Mind Sculpture, has found that visualization can literally reprogram the neural circuitry of the brain.
People who practice visualization have a higher percentage of reaching goals and overcoming obstacles.
One of my favorite Proverbs is:
"For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."
I was struck by this reality again over the past holiday season.
In early October, after visiting my mom in New Mexico, I visualized us all being together for Christmas. We had not been able to spend Christmas together in over eight years.
As I shared this desire and picture with my adult children, it was met with opposition only due to their jobs and access to time off. It seemed impossible.
BUT, I had resolve and kept visualizing the holiday.
One by one, they were able to arrange to travel.
The final victory was my daughter with no PTO announcing she could go.
A miracle.
The holiday ushered in a time of overflowing love, connection, fun, laughter and blessing for each one of us.
I was able to be one-on-one with my mom on Christmas morning, a memory forever treasured in my heart.
My children were filled with unconditional love and joy. Multiple family members were able to join us. A rare occasion.
It was just like my visualization.
Actually, it was above and beyond!
Nothing imagined they can do will be impossible for them.
Genesis 11:6