Growing Up In Christ
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada, here with my friend Shauna Amick. Welcome, Shauna!
SHAUNA: Thanks, Joni!
JONI: And today we’re talking about milestones, of all things. Those mile markers in life that help you track developmental stages in your kids, as well as your own walk with Jesus.
SHAUNA: And it is such a great topic. You know, back when my daughter was a baby I can remember asking a friend – it was a mom who had an adult son with a disability – I asked her, what did she think was the hardest part of parenting a child with special needs. As the new mom of a child with a disability, I really had no idea what she could possibly say, and I gotta tell you, I was a little surprised when she started talking about milestones.
JONI: Okay, why? What’s the connection with special needs here?
SHAUNA: Well, that dear mom, she explained to me how hard it was to watch other people’s children grow up and as they hit those mile markers – of walking and talking or slumber parties, getting a driver’s license, going to the prom – it was just hard. She even had tears in her eyes describing her own heartache, because she felt in her heart, her son wasn’t growing up.
JONI: Ahh, I can see why that would break her heart. And, you know, I’ve got to think it had to be discouraging to you when you were once a young mom, knowing your own daughter might have a similar experience, right?
SHAUNA: Yeah, it sure was; it was very discouraging when Sarah was a baby. But it didn’t take long for me to learn, Sarah has her own set of milestones.
JONI: I love that.
SHAUNA: God has a plan for her, and I know every part of His plan is gonna be accomplished in His time.
JONI: Okay, so you gotta have some story of her doing just that. Reaching a developmental milestone in her own way?
SHAUNA: Well, you know I do! But it might not be what you’re expecting. (JONI: Okay.) Okay, it has to do with Sarah’s ability to communicate. She’s 14 years old now, and she does have some language, but you and I both know, it’s extremely limited. And of those words she is able to express, well, sometimes Jesus and I are the only two who understand her.
JONI: You know, I remember once listening to you speak from a platform, and you described how when Sarah says that she loves you, she says (with Shauna), “I, la la la la la, la, la.”
SHAUNA: Yeah, and I feel that love every time she says that. Oh, you know, for years I prayed that God would give Sarah the gift of clear communication, and so far, those language skills have just not come. So, maybe they will someday and maybe they won’t, but here’s the thing – Sarah can definitely communicate clearly. (JONI: Okay.) Alright, like for example, the time she was on the school bus just a few months ago; she was trying to get the bus driver’s attention. There was something wrong with her seatbelt, and Sarah was trying to point it out. So, she tried to use words, and it just wasn’t happening. No one was really paying attention. So, she took her shoe off, and she threw it out the window and guess what?
JONI: The bus driver got the point!
SHAUNA: Yep, that’s right. So, you know, let’s be clear, I am not advocating the throwing of shoes, but I will admit, I was impressed with Sarah’s thought process. Because, in my opinion, those are some good problem solving skills, don’t you think?
JONI: And pretty creative, too, I would add. Really, getting the bus driver’s attention, for sure. Shauna, I love that perspective. And, friend listening, all the days and all the milestones ordained for each one of us were written in God’s book before one of them ever came to be. So, rather than compare yourself or your kids to others – and whether or not they have a date for the prom, or they’re being invited to a slumber party, or they’re able to get their driver’s license – just celebrate God’s work in their lives. Remember, we are all God’s workmanship, and we all have our unique milestones to reach. And I think I would call that growing up in Christ, wouldn’t you?
SHAUNA: Oh, I sure would. Growing closer and closer into who He created us to be.
JONI: And that is the best milestone.
SHAUNA: That’s right.
JONI: Amen. God bless you today, and thanks for listening to Joni and Friends.
© Joni and Friends
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Lessons From A Hospital Bed
Sickness is hard. The combination of physical discomfort, emotional stress, anxious thoughts, and long stretches of boredom can make it difficult to remember – much less rely on and rejoice in – our good and sovereign God. Reflecting on ten lessons he learned while recovering in the hospital, John Piper encourages those struggling with illness to fight for faith by focusing on the promises of God, the truth of the Gospel, and the reality of eternity.
