Loving the Impatient

"As a father shows compassion to His children, so the LORD shows compassion to those who fear Him." Psalm 103:13

God's love for us is as high as the heavens are above the earth the psalm goes on to say. This verse gives an analogy most of us can relate to. Parental love. We understand the tenderness we have for our children, or the tenderness we may have received from a parent. It is undeniable. Right?

That it is why the last several days have been so perplexing. One of the children here had surgery and has been recovering well, for the most part. One critical piece of the road to recovery, though, is making sure the INR factor of his blood is just right. Too far one way or the other means to thick or too thin of blood. One direction increases the factor of clots, the other direction means danger in the case of a cut and his blood not being able to clot. It is a life threatening condition and medications need to be adjusted correctly for his well being. As a parent, isn't it natural to want the best for your child's health?

In this child's case, that has not seemed to be the priority. This child's mother has struggled for the last week and a half. She is ready to be home. She has a 3 month old baby there. We don't know what kind of pressure she is hearing from home. On more than one occasion she has said she is leaving with or without her son. She doesn't care if he dies. Yes, you read that correctly. She has said, she doesn't care if he dies. She has spoken this openly in front of him. Our hearts break. We continue to love him. Reassuring him of how grateful to God we are for him. We continue to love her. Reassuring her that God is with them in this and cares for what is best for her son. How do we handle her determination to leave?

God's grace. Today this boy's blood tests came back within a safe range. Thank you, Lord. Tonight we celebrate their departure now scheduled for tomorrow. In spite of past attitudes, we hope the example of looking out for the well being of this boy, be one that follows this mother home.

"Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." Psalm 103:1-5