Learning to walk

Learning to walk can be difficult. The challenge of staying up on two feet and not falling down is tough. The excitement of seeing the world from a new perspective is exciting, but keeping the excitement and curiosity controlled so we don't fall is almost impossible at times. We have watched our children learn to walk. The milestone is a blessing to observe. It can be a bit stressful for parents as well.

My boys learned to walk at different times and in different ways. Their journey from crawling to standing and walking was quite diverse.

Riley never crawled. His individuality and determination permitted him to scoot on his bottom every where he went. It was really cute. He became fast at that mode of transportation. We began to push him to walk and he would quickly return to his comfort level of scooting on his bottom. Our doctor became worried and decided we need to run some intense tests. We went through one round of tests and then had to set up meetings with another specialist. Beth Ann and I prayed that we would not have to continue with doctors and specialists. God provided and we did not have to put Riley through more tests and doctors. He decided one day just to get up and walk. It was wonderful to watch him walk and run all around the house. He had days where he would fall and was unsure, but with the help of his parents he would get back up and continue.

Owen walked quicker than Riley. His learning to walk was much less stressful on Beth Ann and I. Where Riley did not crawl, Owen did but not in the traditional sense either. He crawled "Commando Style", with one leg tucked. It was fun to watch his individuality and his own style. Owen was very quick at his own style of transportation just like his brother. As he transitioned to walking he was very excited. He was proud of himself and would grin from ear to ear as he made it from one piece of furniture to another. Holding his arms out to balance himself, Owen's confidence quickly grew and he walked without any help from walls or furniture. He still slips and falls. He fell yesterday and got a huge knot on his head, but he bounced right back up and lost no confidence.

Watching them makes me think about my relationship with God. There are days I slip and fall and He is there to pick me up. He is excited to see me take more steps. He is patient when I do not "walk" as fast as others. He understands that my style may be vastly different from others. God celebrates with me when I do get back up after a fall. It does not matter how many times I fall or will fall because His unconditional love will be there each and every time. He puts others in my path to help me stay on my feet and to help pick me up.

Watching my boys learn to walk brought me great joy. I hope that my learning to walk with God has brought Him joy as well.