Growing up as a child I spent plenty of time in Dr.’s offices. It started out with polio. During my childhood polio was a scourge in this country. I contracted it and so did many of my friends. I was so young at the time that my memories are few. One set of memories revolve around going to see the Dr. on a regular basis. I remember not being able to walk and chasing flies around on the office floor. Weird thing to remember so vividly, right.
My second set of memories revolve around my mother and how she was so determined to see me walk again. No matter how I resisted going an hour away for therapy, she would have none of it. We went and we went. No matter how I resisted her making me lift bean bags with my legs, she would have none of it. If I would complain about the pain, she was inflicting on me, her ears were shut. It was not about the pain. It was about seeing me walk again.
My mother loved me. Her love was tough but also very tender. More than once when I was in pain it was only her hand gently stroking my forehead that could bring relief.
God’s love for us is also tough but tender. He too only wants what is best for us.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:13 NIV
My father was born with cerebral palsy. They said he wouldn’t be able to walk without braces on his legs. It was a struggle, but he did walk without the use of braces. I don’t know how deep his faith in God was. But I know that God put a fire in him to push through pain and obstacles in his life