Today, we were facing “one of those times” again.
Outside play is terribly difficult for us, because our youngest child cannot do 90% of the “normal” activities kids do outside. Her level of spina bifida (T-12) means that she cannot stand, walk, run, climb, etc. etc. Exploring the outdoors from a wheelchair is VERY hard. Crawling in the outdoors can scratch her legs, which is dangerous because they don’t heal easily.
But we refuse to let our older kids simply “leave her behind” on a daily basis. (We take situations like this on a case-by-case basis.) Yet of course the older kids are limited in how they can help her, and Steve is very busy taking care of everything in our lives right now. (And now, I can’t help her physically at all.)
Steve was with our youngest in another room, and I gently spoke to the older kids about compassion, etc.
I also told them that we would be praying and talking about how we can manage this ongoing problem.
I felt sad, once again struggling with balancing our three children’s needs and desires. I felt so discouraged that I can’t “beat this thing.”
Then God intervened.
The kids went out to play and shortly, a fun idea came up that they loved.
Then, they found a new “hideout” (in between pine trees) that our youngest child could go in. They came up with a new “game” (something about mysteries and bad guys), and suddenly they were all happy and enjoying the outdoors, including our youngest.
A lovely hour, a wonderful blessing, a lifting of all our spirits, a gift from God.
In past times (like the last five years), God has asked me to step up to the plate and work hard figuring out solutions, listening to our kids, trying to figure out the right thing to do, and thinking way outside the box with creativity.
At times, I have felt He was asking too much of me. But of course He wasn’t; He’s God!!!!
This time, He just lifted the burden.
Where has God called you to greater action? Or what burden has He lifted from your shoulders?
Christa Upton Black Hills Picture Books PO Box 293 Custer, SD 57730
It has to warm your heart to see your children be compassionate to their younger sibling and figure out the problem of outdoor play together. God Bless!
Oh, yes; it actually made me cry (good tears)! 🙂 God bless you, too, my friend!!
I was so blessed by this post, Christa. Your heart for God is so amazing.
Oh, I’m so glad, Katie!!! Your encouragement & kindness (in your emails, also) helps me persevere!!!