grateful

Well, our lives have changed pretty dramatically in the past couple of weeks. Our sweet son is pulling up onto EVERYTHING, and we have to watch him like hawks to keep him out of trouble.

Even though this stage is obviously more work, we are far from complaining. Tears come to my eyes when I think of the Lord's mercy to us in allowing Silas to improve so quickly. Three months ago we thought we might be dealing with a life-long handicap; now our question is not "What is wrong with our son?" but "What will Silas be doing next week?" The Lord has been truly kind.

God has used this trial, painful as it has been, to do a tremendous work in our hearts. It has been an opportunity for us to "put flesh on our faith," to put into practice what we knew to be true. We have learned to trust in the Lord's goodness, in his perfect plan, and in his sovereignty. We have learned to lean on Him and each other in a way we never had before. We have learned to hold this good gift of our son loosely, recognizing that Silas is the Lord's, and we are stewards he has entrusted with this precious life.

By God's grace, I pray we will continue walking in these truths throughout our lives as parents. May we never erect our children as idols in our hearts. May we never put our hopes in our own plans for our children, rather than desiring God's will for them, whatever that may be. May we see every milestone, every new development, as a gift from the Lord and not be annoyed or frustrated by the extra work created by the growth of our children.

We are grateful.