Last week during my quiet time the same verse popped up in both of my devotions.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I’ve read this verse a thousand times, but I wrote it down because if it showed up twice God was obviously trying to tell me something.
I jotted these words in my journal: trust God to give me exactly what I need, to parent Jackson on this Apraxia journey, to know the best way to discipline him and communicate with him, to encourage him and lavish him with love and grace.
Then I closed my journal and went about my day.
A few hours later I received multiple messages from blog readers and friends who shared their thoughts on what might help Jackson talk.
Change his diet. Take him to a chiropractor. Get his hearing checked.
Suddenly I became extremely overwhelmed. I began to question everything we are doing. Is it enough? Should we look into these things? What if I miss something that could ultimately help my son?
Then His quiet voice interrupted the storm of thoughts.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6)
I took a deep breath, emailed a few Apraxia mamas, and realized that right now we are doing everything we can to fight this head on.
I’m not saying any of the above suggestions are bad. I’m not saying they don’t work. I’m not saying we’ll never try them.
I’m just saying that right now we are focused on speech therapy four days a week and that’s a lot for a little guy.
Trying to talk is exhausting for him.
I don’t have all the answers. I don’t know what tomorrow holds.
But what I do know, is I can’t waste precious time trying to figure it all out.
All I can do is trust God to fill in where I leave gaps.
Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try and figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track. (Proverbs 3:5-6 MSG)
Kristin Hill Taylor says
This may be my favorite post you’ve written. It’s so full of truth. People want to be helpful, and sometimes they are. But God knows. He knows Jackson, his needs, and your needs. He knows and will keep you on track. I could apply this to so many areas of life. Thanks for speaking wisdom right into my life, sweet friend. xoxo
Jennifer says
Thank you so much Kristin! This is just another faith building chapter of our story! I so appreciate all your prayers and support as we take this journey.
Shelley Street Byrne says
My son has apraxia, and giving it to God is a lesson I can use. We have been on this journey nearly two years. Feel free to friend me on Facebook if you would like to talk sometime.
Jennifer says
Shelley – It’s so hard to give it to God sometimes. As mamas we worry so much about our little ones and don’t want things to be so hard for them. I’m so glad you stopped by my blog!