“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)
Navigating daily activities has been more challenging than I imagined. Simple things that I once took for granted now require planning, help, or creativity. But one of the hardest emotional challenges came when I realized it was the start of cross country season—my daughter’s senior year.
If you’ve never been to a cross country meet, you may not know that it’s not just the runners getting a workout. The spectators do too! Parents and fans often jog or run from one viewing point to another just to catch those precious few seconds of encouragement as their runner passes by. Realizing that I wouldn’t be able to run from spot to spot this year broke me. I even cried about it in the doctor’s office—it felt so crushing.
That morning also brought a taste of fall’s arrival. It was in the low 50s, and my toes were freezing. I couldn’t find a sock or slipper that would fit over my cast to keep me warm. After a bit of searching, I had to get creative—I dug out a winter hat and slipped it over my toes. It worked perfectly! Even better, I found one specifically from the school, so not only were my toes warm, but I was also representing the home team.
But God provided a way, as He always does. My son stepped up and decided to push me in a borrowed wheelchair to different viewing spots. By his strength and determination, I was able to make it to five different locations during my daughter’s home meet! There were a few bumps along the way, but overall it didn’t hurt me physically. And I know in my heart that missing it would have hurt far more emotionally.
To top it all off, my daughter’s team took first place. What a gift! The sun was shining, my heart was full, my toes were warm, and it was a beautiful day to be a Spartan.
Sometimes the hardest part of healing isn’t the physical pain—it’s the grief of what you can’t do. But God is faithful to send help, to make a way, and to remind us that joy is still possible in the middle of limitations.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
— 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
If you’re facing a season where you feel held back, take heart. You are not missing out on God’s goodness—He will meet you right where you are, and often He’ll use the love of others (and sometimes even a winter hat!) to carry you further than you imagined.
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