Lauren Sparks

The Sparks Notes

What Scares Me this Halloween

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There are a lot of legends and stories surrounding the spooky full moon, especially on Halloween.  Werewolves, vampires, people and animals driven crazy and unexplained strange happenings.  The glowing orb looks eerie, ominous and chilling sitting in an otherwise clear sky.  I admit that it scares me, but my fear has nothing to do with monsters or horror movies.  My daughter has a marked increase in seizure activity every time there is a full moon.  I don’t understand why, but I know it happens.  And I know from others that it is fairly common.

Today is the last day of October.  Tomorrow starts Epilepsy Awareness month.  More people live with epilepsy than with autism spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy combined!  There is no cure for Shelby’s seizure disorder and we live with the constant fear that she could have a seizure at any time of any day.  If you want to give me a sweet treat this Halloween, consider doing one of the following things:  1.  Wear purple during the month of November.  Take a picture of yourself and post to social media.  Tag me to let me know you are supporting Shelby.  And while you are at it, tell someone you are wearing purple to bring awareness to the incurable condition that is epilepsy.  2.  Click here to read about seizure first-aid.  Would you know what to do if you saw someone having a seizure?  3.  Go here to donate any amount to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas.  They allow my daughter to go to a safe and fun summer camp every year.  And even more importantly, the organization works tirelessly to research, legislate, and educate to make her life better.

The goal?  Not another moment lost to seizures.  Go purple!

Is Busy Best?

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I feel like I am dragging rear.  So…much…going…on.  It’s only the 2nd full month of school and the calendar is already packed.  When did life get so busy?  The schedule is loaded and the fuel tank is empty.  Between my many aches and pains and Shelby’s frequent night-time awakenings, I don’t feel like I have the energy to meet all the obligations.  I’m getting MORE tired just writing about it.  Theater and speech tonight; physical therapy, work and an Apple Genius appointment (ugh, such a time suck) tomorrow; Wednesday I teach a class, have a scheduled lunch, wheelchair fitting, theater, and church;  Thursday I work (my two part-time jobs feel like they are taking up more time than one full-time right now – without the decent paycheck and benefits).  I could continue down my calendar, but won’t bore you with the details.  All this is going on while my help-meet is out of town.  And the only thing I really want to do is read a book.  I want to curl up in a comfy chair and read.  But that is a luxury not often afforded me.  
At times the lack of strength and vitality I feel for the daily grind makes me question my physical and emotional wellness, and even my ability as a mom.  But today, I see it through a different lens.  I see purpose in my tired.  Although most of us have long ago stopped believing that “busyness is next to godliness”, so many of us (hand embarrassingly raised here) have failed to alter our behavior.  We stack our kids’ schedules hoping that keeping them busy will keep them out of trouble.  There may be some truth to that, but are we also keeping them from developing meaningful relationships with God and others?  Luke chapter 10 tells the story of Mary and Martha – sisters who both dearly loved Jesus.  Martha expressed her love by busyness – working for Him.  Mary sat at His feet and soaked up everything He said and did.  When Martha complained about Mary’s “laziness”, Jesus replied, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.”  v. 41-42 NASB
Are we raising athletes who are exhausted and emotionally stunted?  Are we building a resume for college but eliminating the margin needed to study Christ?  Has attendance at church activities replaced the discipline of personal prayer and study?  Psalm 46:10 says, “Cease striving [or be still] and know that I am God;” NASB.  As I proved by digressing into my family planner, I have a lot to learn.  I am not yet influencing my family to sit still.  But if I am dragging rear, then at least I know we are slowing down.

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