I quickly realized that simple tasks that Tyler had long ago taken ownership of were impossible with a broken finger. Washing hair, buttoning pants, and tying shoes became things that she "NEEDED" me for - Not to mention wrapping and unwrapping her finger everyday! Then there were hours and hours of writing the answers to her homework. I literally became her hands for 8 weeks - John tried to help out, but Tyler seemed to always insist it be me. I realized that God was giving me a small glimpse of what some mothers have to do day in and day out for their children not just for 8 weeks, but forever!! I can honestly say that group became a specific prayer for me day in and day out as I knew my situation was temporary and theirs is not. I also knew as a mother there was nowhere else I would rather be and knew that was the desire of those mothers as well - no matter how hard it was.
So here we stand - the day before she competes at state meet. This gym season has consisted of 6 gym meets. Of those 6 - Tyler has competed all 4 events at 1 of them.....could the devil work on our hearts and heads and invoke some doubt and fear - of course, but this time we have declared war on all negative thoughts. In just a few weeks time, I have literally watched Tyler transform back into the confident gymnast she was before. Will that insure us a win? Maybe not a place on the awards stand, but in the game of life - you betcha!
I asked Tyler what she thought God had taught her through this difficult experience on the day she was released. She smiled and said - how much I love gym! I said anything else - she said yes - to be patient and wait for his time and to pray for specifics! WOW! As we close out gym season, I realize that no matter what happens on the floor, beam, bars or vault tomorrow - God has won the battle and has begun an AWESOME work in Tyler! I know he will be faithful to complete it......now I must practice patience to see the final product!