Day 10- Learning to Walk
On Day 9, we focused on the fact that Jesus is faithful even when we are faithless. I find that comforting. When I am struggling with my faith…He’s still faithful. I shared our decision to learn and teach Ryan sign language.
Ron and I decided to take parallel paths in our approach to Ryan’s deafness…sign language AND technology. We were actively learning about different kinds of hearing aids that would help Ryan hear and understand sound. Ryan’s ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist) wanted him to have an MRI to detect any inner ear abnormalities that would possibly be reversible with surgery.
The MRI revealed that Ryan was missing his Semicircular Canals.  Semicircular Canals are basically your balance center.  They are responsible for sending signals to the brain that help you keep your balance. Well, Ryan did not have those. At two  and a half years old Ryan had learned to sit up but was not walking yet. He was in physical therapy twice a week but it had not helped.
Of course our next question to Ryan’s ENT was if he would ever be able to walk. His answer…possibly. He explained that Ryan’s balance would have to be learned. It was not instinctual for him. The ENT felt it would be possible… but it would be difficult.
“Lord, Ryan may or may not walk?! Okay, You and me…we need to talk…spare bedroom!”
Interestingly, this time in the spare bedroom I was not overwhelmed, I was not discouraged, I was not having a faith crisis. I was in warrior mommy mode. “Lord, I will do everything within my power to help Ryan walk. I need you to help me do that, please.” I was determined that if Ryan was unable to walk, it was not for lack of trying.
Ryan was strong-willed and I was sure he was up for the challenge. So, we found him a pint-sized walker and set about teaching him to use it. Simultaneously, we were testing out different hearing aids each month to see if Ryan would benefit from any of them. More on that to come.
- Read Colossians 1:9-13
This is a letter that states how Paul and Timothy were praying over the church at Colossae.
What did Paul ask The Lord to “fill” the followers of Christ with?
He asked that they be filled, so that they could accomplish what?
It took over two and a half years, but this little girl was growing up spiritually. I had cried before The Lord, vented my anger and frustration, and grieved the loss of normalcy. He faithfully listened and provided guidance, wisdom, and help along my Faith Journey. I was now resolved that He was my wisdom Giver and faithful Provider in every situation. That did not mean I was not overwhelmed at times, but I had come to know and experience His faith affirming presence too often to deny. He was filling me up with His holiness “so that I would bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of God.”
How is The Lord “filling you up” in the knowledge of Him? Pray and thank Him for His active work of refining in your life. He has a purpose in the preparation…Hang in there!
Ryan and his walker…he was quite the little speedster!
Going before the Father on your behalf. Stay on the faith path, my friend!
