Grant lives his days governed by well established self imposed routines. He likes his shoes put away in the basket, TV remotes on the cofeetable, doors shut, fans on...think you got the picture. He has been out of school for the last 3 weeks for winter break and this morning he had to go back to class. Last night as we prayed before bed he completely covered his brother asking God "to watch over Jake when he goes to school and help him do the right thing." He made a point of leaving himself out of the prayers because he was staying home with Mommy. After hanging up the phone with Teen this morning at 7:00 I cuddled with both boys. Grant quietly asked me, "Mom, I am not going to school?" I told him it was Monday and that he had to go back to school. His worst nightmare had become a reality and his face crinkled up as he raged..."Noooooooooooooooo!" I calmed him down and told him that we would just go downstairs and take a bath and eat breakfast. He was unusually quiet during the rest of the morning and then he came up to me in the kitchen and said, "Mom, I am going to do the right thing and listen to my teacher today." When I dropped him off this morning he leaned in and asked me to blow him a kiss before he closed the car door.
As I drove back home I realized I had seen courage in action. The challenges that Grant faces at school are sometimes frightening to him. He still asks me everyday if there is going to be a tornado drill because the nightmare of the last one still lingers. He does not want to go to school because it is going to be hard and his teachers are going to push him out of his comfort zone. They want him to realize his full potential and use his gifts each and everyday. I could see the fear on Grant's face when he knew that he had to go this morning, but I also witnessed the transformation in him as he made a choice to step out and do the right thing. In making that decision Grant reminded me that Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world.
Some days it is hard to not feel overwhelmed by the tasks that are set before us. Like Grant I want to cry out and stay inside my house where it is safe and warm. God cannot use us when we refuse to walk forward in faith. All day today I will be thinking about Grant and sending him thoughts of love. When I go to pick him up I will make sure he knows how proud I am of him. Just imagine how much God rejoices when we do the right thing. Thank you my sweet boy for always showing me how to live with courage.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you, he will never leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6
 |
| Grant hanging out with cousin Allie |
No comments:
Post a Comment