7 Simple Ways to Love Your Son or DaughterSample

Day Four

"Apple Blossoms"

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:11; Philippians 1:6

(Lisa) Our youngest daughter suffered a massive stroke before she was born and has faced more than her share of challenges. The brain damage was so severe, we had to tube-feed her for the first three years of her life since she couldn’t swallow. 

The medical staff told us that if she didn’t learn to swallow as a baby, she’d never be able to. I didn’t want to believe it, but those voices were strong. Her dad, on the other hand, refused to listen. 

So, every day for three years straight, he offered something small up to her lips. No matter that it hadn’t worked the day before, or the day before that, or the day before that. He didn’t mind. He just kept talking to her and trying, never losing hope. 

Then one day, quite suddenly, she swallowed. Just like that. Down the hatch. 

She laughed. 

Her dad smiled.

And I cried.

From that day on, she began making rapid progress. 

Now she sits up in her wheelchair and eats everything by mouth and even feeds herself.

Funny how when we don’t see any progress in a person or a situation, we think nothing is happening and probably never will. But stuff is going on that we can’t see. God is at work even when it’s not readily apparent. And just when we’re losing all hope . . . there’s suddenly a swallow. 

Have you ever been impatient with the process of watching your child achieve milestones or mature in some way? Do you ever feel that way about your own spiritual growth or your ability to learn something new?

Consider this: There’s no point in being impatient with apple blossoms. They will mature as they need to. Your child is no different. Love her by being patient and gentle—with yourself and your child. 

Infuse hope into your child’s heart. Keep trying and keep believing, reminding him—and you!—that you serve a God of patience, kindness, and hope; who promises to complete the good work He has begun.

What is one milestone you are eager for your child to reach or character trait you are eager for him or her to demonstrate? How would you approach this time of waiting differently if you remembered that God promises to complete His good work in us?