Getting Somewhere.

When I was a kid I had problems with my ears. 

That’s not code. It’s not symbolism regarding my issue with listening (although that existed too). 

As a child I had ear infections so regularly that I had tube surgery 4 times. 

I don’t remember anything aside from the doctor’s office waiting room and the earplugs I had to wear in the pool.

But here’s the kicker. I could tell mom. 

I could tell my mom - or my dad - that my ear hurt. Then I could accurately describe which ear. Finally, I could sit still long enough for doctors and nurses to make an assessment. 

Cut to this week. 

Megan is with Jude at Speech Therapy. While they’re practicing with the loaner AAC device, Jude finds a button and taps. 

“Hurt.”

She then grabbed Megan’s hand and put it to her ear. 

The next day Jude had an urgent care visit and a prescription. 

There are so many thoughts I have about our situation this week. So many lessons.

Jude is no longer trapped in her own mind and body. She is limited, yes, but she’s progressed so much over the past few years. Even months. She now has an outlet for and an understanding of communication, beyond grunts and points. I’m thankful to God for opening up her world. 

Megan and I had a special needs daughter that we tried to put on a traditional path. We never intended to homeschool Jude. Or take her to a therapy center twice a week for support. But without some tough experiences, impossible decisions, and incredibly challenging demands for flexibility - we wouldn’t be where we are today. We’re just now seeing how God orchestrated every detail. 

Finally, I think about prayer. There have been times when I’m so mad or broken I can’t even pray. Sometimes I don’t even want to. I can’t get the words out. Nothing comes. I can only grunt, point, or get out one word . . . 

“Hurt.”

Even then, God hears. God understands. God cares. He still makes a way. He sees my heart. He knows what I need before I ask. 

He’s truly the best father. 

And, with Him, we’re getting somewhere. 

Romans 8:26
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.