Recently, my grandson, Jude, has had to experience events that have been a discomfort to him. He has a weak eye and therefore has had to wear a patch for one hour a day. Mommy and daddy had a great plan! As soon as the patch goes on, distract him with delightful things for his mind to be off the obvious. So, out came his little golfing and basketball games. Swinging the golf club and slam dunking the basketball removed the discomfort and frustration of wearing the patch.
After a few weeks of wearing the patch we find out he has a case of moderate asthma. This precious little 3-year old now has to undergo about four home breathing treatments per day for about a week or so. Since I have the opportunity to watch him during the day, he is with me for two of his 20-minute treatments. Another discomfort calls for more distractions!
Here we go… let’s do it. It’s time to embrace what is ahead. I tell Jude, “It is time for your breathing treatment.” As I put the mask on him, he cries, “I don’t want to do this!” Oh how my heart breaks!
What can I do to ease this for him? How can I make my precious grandson, who didn’t ask for this, to feel okay about going through it all? How can I show my love and concern? I’ve got it! I will do it with him! I will be right by his side every minute of the way! So, I took a clear plastic cup and a rubber band and made me a mask to wear alongside my grandson. Since I forgot to put air holes in my cup, I couldn’t breathe with my make-shift mask! So, I tried other things! During his treatments we played in a “tent” with flashlights, played match the dominoes and a few other things. Each time I was ready for him with a surprise, a 20-minute distraction to take him to the very end… a victory. Before long, I could see his frustration leave; peace took over. Even though the circumstance was the same, he embraced it with anticipation of the joyful surprise.
My Heavenly Father has done far more for me and will do for you! There may be a discomfort you are going through right now. You scream, “I don’t want to do this!” Hold fast, God is by your side and has a perfect plan, a joyful surprise, and a victory.
Though my heart hurt to see my grandson with a patch over his eye and a mask covering his face, watching him endure the task with excitement made me smile.
Jeremiah 29:11-13
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.
