Yikes! There is someone out there who understands me!

Have I told you about my friend Emily? She's is a truly amazing woman. She is a tremendously gifted writer, teacher and friend. Emily also shares my deep desire to find new ways to reach special needs children. More than anything, she is a woman of God; someone who eagerly seeks His face and direction. She has taught me much these past two years. I often have to stop and remind myself that she is only 19. I just can't wait to see what God has in store for her.

Perhaps one of the neatest things about Emily, as far as I am self-centeredly concerned, is that she totally gets me. She completely understands the weird way my brain works. This makes for lots of good times at preschool. Working with a bunch of four years-olds is too much fun to begin with, but add in someone who understands and appreciates your quirky view of the world, and well lets just say I laugh until I snort on a regular basis.

When I titled this blog, it definitely had a double meaning. To many people, "To Hear You" is representative of my life goal of hearing from those who have no voice. While this pertains to those with special needs and my desire to help them be heard by the world, it also includes those who are oppressed and persecuted. My greatest hope is that I will spend the rest of my life working towards this goal. But the even greater meaning behind "To Hear You" is my daily desire to hear from God and to know His will for my life. Living the life He created for me, being in His will is the greatest joy. Emily, knowing this is my heart's desire, got the title immediately. She sent me this on Facebook last night:

Hi Dawn,

I really like the title you've chosen for your blog...all night long the phrase "To Hear You" has been bouncing around my head. There's a poem there. I haven't quite found it yet, but I've started digging...


“Grace”

To learn, to know, to listen
Though thunder fills my ears
To see beyond the lightning bursts
To feel You dry my tears
To wander from You when I'm lost
And wrestle when I'm found
To shed my pride and take Your hand
To hear You in each sound.




It took me a while to get my jaw up off the ground. It is an amazing thing when someone you deeply love and admire understands you and helps you clear the mud from your ears and eyes. Emily is one of those people in my life. I thank God for the road that He has allowed us to walk together, and I pray we will continue to share this journey for the rest of my life.

Do you know my friend Emily? If not, I strongly encourage you to get to know this amazing woman of faith. She has touched my heart and enriched my life. I will never be the same. Thank you, Jesus!