During this hot, sun-filled summer, I am very grateful for flip-flops. Yes,
flip-flops. I am very grateful for the skill it takes to keep them on your
feet, and the sound they make as you walk. I never used to be so fond of
them—until last year.
I’m sure all of you
reading this have had the experience of wearing a pair of flip-flops. And I’m
also sure that it is an uneventful, subconscious experience for you.
Well, for my daughter, it was a learned skill that took a
few weeks, and since she is used to always wearing tennis shoes with braces, it
was a huge accomplishment for her.
So, for weeks last summer, I allowed her to wear them in the
house only, just so she would take her time and not fall. Even though she was
insistent on trying them, I was hesitant because her therapist voiced how awful
they are for her feet, and suggested it was not a good idea. But because she
wants to be just like her friends, she wanted to learn. So how could I deny her
the right to be like everyone else?
Recently we had to run to the grocery store for just a
couple of items—and she proceeded to the door in her flip flops—and for once, I
did not object. When she realized I was going to allow her to wear them out of
the house, she was elated and thanked me the entire way to the store!
The simplest thing that we take for granted all summer long,
brought her such joy.
We went to the store, and she took her time, proudly looking
down at her feet often. And, in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the
people in the store, a quiet miracle of our own was occurring. I started to cry
a soft, grateful, joy-filled cry, right there in the middle of the store. My
heart was full as I watched her accomplish this big task.
This week, what are your flip-flops?
What are the things that have happened in your son or
daughter’s world that would definitely be a miracle to you and your family?
If you are unsure, my prayer this week is that you will be
able to recognize when something remarkable has happened, no matter how
insignificant it may look to the world—and want to celebrate and share it with
others! Our kids’ successes will motivate other special parents to keep hoping,
and look toward their next “flip-flop” moment.
I know some special moms that are patiently waiting for
their child to put a simple sentence together, while some are praying for the
ability to sit up or walk. For them, a new word or a strengthened muscle can
turn into a day of celebration.
I also know a very
special mom who is currently waiting patiently for her son’s miracle while
praying his new blood will save his life.
Yes, save his life. So, I’m certain she finds way to
celebrate each tiny accomplishment or good report from the doctor during his
very long hospital stay.
Each hope-filled day breeds the next, and the next….and each
celebration makes her a stronger, more special mom.
I feel it is so important for us to share our special
children’s astonishing miracles with “typical” parents—not so they will feel
pity for us or our kids, but so they will in turn be grateful for all of the
things their kids do automatically, and feel very blessed that they do. Our
kids were put on this earth not just to make us better, stronger parents, but
to show others their exceptional, silent strength.
We all have to be ready and waiting for these moments, and
not give up hope that they will happen for our child. All of these miracles are
unique in their own way—some may look more important than others, but at the
root of them lay the same thing—special parents’ hopes coming to life before
their eyes--Moments that we have prayed for coming to fruition can’t be taken
lightly, and deserve to be celebrated.
I firmly believe that faith is the basis of things we hope
for… So don’t be afraid to have faith—it will breed hope, and will
automatically set the stage for your next flip-flop moment.
Are you ready?
~Maria
“Faith is the substance of things hoped for; evidence of things not yet seen” Heb. 11:1
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