Still cute, but more tenaciously original.
Aw, ain’t he just the cutest little thing? Regardless of your response, the correct answer is actually “Yes, yes he is.” But to humor any of you potential detractors out there, I will admit that it wasn’t always easy for me to think of our youngest son in such a way…and still isn’t when he gets that wild-eyed tenacious originality (my substitute for other descriptors parents aren’t supposed to give children). After a ridiculously easy early childhood experience with kid #1, we knew we probably deserved a tougher experience with T. And hoo mama, we got it.
Since my wife and I knew specifically why poor sleep and irritability were the norm for him, his severe eczema, we handled it a bit (just a bit) better. But for his sake and ours, we longed and persevered for what finally, finally came several years later: a significant reversal. Hallelujah! After a biodiversity of infections and oceans of Vaseline, creams, and laundry water, T’s skin (mostly) flipped the switch.
The constant cling became comfortable independence. Frustrated complaining became joking, singing, and (most recently) whistling. And rhythmic scratching became the best dance moves his side of seven years you’ll ever see! No for real, he can move those hips like none other. In many ways, he’s been able to experience life as a totally different kid. Why? How? Well, a few reasons, but the most prominent being the patient, persistent pursuit of what we knew to be the most authoritative advice from his doctors. As tempted as we were to entertain the panaceas and promises offered by less-credentialed clinicians, it was the slow and steady commitment to expertise that prevailed.
Now hey, I’ve only parented him through the age of six, so for those who are wondering when on earth a difficult situation with your child might get better, I’m sorry to say I don’t know. But parenting isn’t the only endeavor that can leave us longing for things to make sense. Often times in our faith journey, we wonder what we’ve gotten ourselves into and when it’s going to get better, fit together, or be more secure. And we tend to prefer more attractive, generalized answers from less authoritative sources (humans) over the more intricate, rich answers from the biblical words of the greatest expert (God). If you’ve ever been content with satisfyingly simple faith constructs, only to have them upended by an unexpected question or encounter, never fear! It’s not your faith falling apart; it’s an opportunity to delve into the breadth of God’s knowledge and replace a scaffold with a fortress. And with patient persistence, you’ll emerge with explanations and security that can weather virtually any challenge.
All tenaciously original, and poised to strike.
I am living proof. Opening my mind to all of what God says in the Bible about difficult issues—not just those favorite or familiar passages—allowed me to discover rational and refreshing answers to questions I considered impossible and problems I was told were unsolvable mysteries (Click to tweet). God and his wisdom solve so much for us if we will just consider all of what he says, and I invite you to join me in Healing Hereafter to find out the wonderful ways he does so! It’s free in two clicks right here! Now, if I could just solve that tenacious originality of T’s too…
