Pull-up

While Micah was in the hospital, he was on a frequent dose of a diuretic called Lasix to help remove fluid from his heart and lungs. So, the nurses had a diaper on him his entire first night. The following morning, the catheter had been removed, and he was all on his own. Of course he woke up with an urgent need to pee.

Darnell and I escorted him into the restroom, undid the diaper, and let him handle his business. When we went to reapply the diaper, Micah inquired, “Why do I have on a diaper? I’m a big boy.” The nurse just so happened to be within earshot and asked if we’d rather her get him a pull-up instead. We thanked her and thought this would appease the little dude. Even with the most age-appropriate explanation, he walked out of the restroom, sporting his Cars themed pull-up, turned around, looked me dead in my eyeballs and said, “Mama, just so you know this is still a diaper...and I’m still a big boy.”

After laughing hysterically, I thought about how this minor thing was both temporary and necessary. But all he could see was that he had on a pull-up. He thought he was done with that phase of development. He didn’t want to be seen as a kid who needed potty assistance. He had moved past those days. He was on to bigger and better things. It didn't matter to him that he'd just had a successful heart procedure. Despite all that he had endured prior to the pull-up, he could only focus on that...nothing else.

We are often the exact same way. Sometimes, God will bring us through the craziest of storms. However, in the midst, He might have to take us back a few paces. Send us to territory we thought we’d never see again. Reconnect us with people we’d separated from. All in order to fully prepare us for what He has in store. Whether we believe it or not, this too is part of the healing after the storm. The setback is necessary for all that we are to become and all that we are to possess. Sometimes, we can’t appreciate all that God has brought us through because we are too focused on the one thing that we don’t quite get.

Hear me today. Micah needed that pull-up just like we need whatever reversion God has allowed to happen in our lives. Why? I can't say with certainty, but there are plenty of possibilities. God can take us back simply to remind us. He can take us back to cover us or protect us. Sometimes, we have to go back to where we've been to get to where we're going. Sometimes, we have to be placed back into an uncomfortable situation to be prepared to bask in the comfort of God. Sometimes, God does what He wants to do, and we just have to deal with it. Period.

Although we don’t always understand why God would take us backward in order to move us forward, it is all a part of the plan. If God is taking you through a pull-up situation, take a moment to reflect on all you’ve come through. See how far He's brought you? He wouldn't bring you this far to cast you back. So, do what you gotta do; be where you gotta be, so you are prepared to Be Blessed XOXO