Secret Things

 

     As I was pondering parenthood and the challenges face us along the way I was reminded of how often we keep things from our children. There is no reason for them to worry about money issues, the fear in the diagnosis, and a list of so much more. We decide what is “age appropriate.”

     Protection and love allow us to sacrifice our own needs to place theirs first. Our daughters and their husbands understand all of this now. Our sweet 3 1/2-year-old grandson, Gavin, has experienced several seizures over the last few months. I pray we never see another one. The days have been filled with worry and fear, with doctor’s appointments and 24-hour vigilance, causing a roller-coaster of emotions.

     Our daughter and her husband have risen to these challenges over these months, talking through decisions, taking turns staying up to watch Gavin, sitting at the hospital through a sedated MRI and a 24-hour EEG (daddy took this one)

     Their goal continues to be to keep Gavin feeling loved and protected, just as our God does for us. Gavin, thankfully, has no recollection of the seizures. Right now, there is no need to tell him. After trying a few doses of medication, it finally appears to be working and the side effects continue to diminish. Praise God!

     God also gives us just the information we need to live out our lives. He gives us “human-appropriate” guidance in His word. The Bible gives us enough, all we need. There is a beautiful verse in Deuteronomy I want to share with you.

The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed to us belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29

     God cannot reveal all to us now. What is revealed to us is enough for us and for our children. And our daughters and their families know Jesus. Yes, we hold back to protect and to nurture. God understands and He will see us through. He is enough.

Father,

We give you thanksgiving and praise for our precious, smart, funny and sweet Gavin. We thank you for medications and doctors, for giving us hope in the midst of fear, for walking with us through it all and for showing us how to love.

In Jesus name,

Amen