A walk in someone else's shoes

I had the priviledge and honor of sitting to eat with some rather amazing ladies last night. I met with a moms' group that gets together in Richmond monthly to chat, eat and maybe drink a margarita (or 2)!! What do we talk about? Well, all of us have children with disabilities.

Some children are extremely involved; some children are not. Some have of the kids have disabilities that you've heard of; some are so rare that only a handful of people worldwide are effected. But all of these children have something in commom; they all have moms who love them and are dedicated to providing the highest quality of life possible for them.

Sitting with these ladies last night reminded me that we all wear different shoes. Some are comfortable and easy to slip on like old tennis shoes; the kind that you're comfortable wearing when your best friend comes over. Some are black and shiny; the kind you put on when you want to make a good impression. Some are tight and really squeeze your toes, but you wear them because they're what people expect (and you wouldn't want to disappoint anyone). And there are the ever present work boots; the ones that seem to get the most wear, but are the least stylish; definitely not fashionable, but servicable.

Last night I met ladies who have been wearing their work boots for years. They have seen their kids through orthotics, walkers, feeding clinics, physical therapy, speech therapy, surguries, genetic testing, MRIs, etc. (There are procedures that I can't pronounce much less spell, and the list seems to go on forever!!) Some moms are new to the wearing of the boots; they are working them in so the fit is liveable. But, no matter where they are on the road to providing for their children, there is a camaraderie that can only exist because of the journey itself. (my work boots :)
So, what kind of shoes am I wearing? I ask myself that all of the time; what am I willing to show people around me today. Am I willing to be transparent enough to wear my work boots all of the time? Honestly, there have been times when I would rather wear my black patents because I would like to be someone else; change the road that the Lord has placed me on. But I have found that although they are beautiful on the outside, they are not the best fit; not all that comfortable. I have delegated them to date night. (You can imagine just how seldomly I wear them!!!) On those days when I can manage to spend the day in my 'jammies I wear my comfy shoes (and if you really know me you realize that I wear them with my comfy pants). These days also are few and far between. I have boxed up my toe squeezers. They're on the top shelf of the closet and may even end up in the give away pile. (I don't have time to live up to someone else's expectations of me.)

That only leaves the work boots. So I don them every morning before I head out. They are actually not too bad to look at. (They are pictured above! :) They usually fit pretty well. Its ok if they get muddy they can be wiped off. They're waterproof and have steel toes so they provide some protection. I am actually learning to enjoy wearing them. I may even be able to pull them off as a fashion statement one day. But whether or not that happens, I will walk in my work boots on this road well travelled by other moms. And just like they have paved this road for me, I will do my best to do the same for others.

Thanks for reading. I would like to ask that those of you who pray continue to do so for Shannon and her family. They have had a terrible season; sickness around every corner. RSV is in their home again. Pray that Makayla does not contract it again. Blessings to you all,

Christa