Seems only fitting to move from a post all about patience and waiting to one about walking and running.  Needless to say there are seasons in this life.  Ecclesiastes reminds us that “there is a season for everything.”  And sometimes those seasons overlap and sometimes they fluctuate back and forth.  We have found that to be true even in this season of waiting with Perthes disease.

Cole is in the regrowth phase that will last anywhere from 3-5 years.  The blood has begun to reflow to his femoral head and the bone is regrowing.  In fact, it is growing larger than his other hip, but as of right now, we aren’t too worried about that.  At his check-up this week, we were looking for two important signs of regrowth on the X-ray – a round femoral head and it sitting nicely in the socket (not pushing outward).  Praise God, both of these were true.

We got news that the plate is looking good and while there continues to be inflammation, it isn’t from the plate and the plate isn’t limiting his mobility too much.  It’s doing it’s job and hopefully will continue to for the upcoming year before it is removed.  Yep, still more waiting.

But while we are waiting, we are also walking and running.  Dr. Killian had Cole walk and then run up and down the hallway.  The limp is still pronounced – even with his special shoes.  It is more evident on the walking than the running, but Dr. Killian was encouraged by the running.  So much so that the prescription was “more walking, running and playtime.”  I have a feeling that will be an easy order for Cole to follow.  We sometimes have trouble slowing him down.  But his body does let him know when he has pushed too hard (and those are tough nights).  We are also looking forward to a lot of water therapy this summer (aka: swimming)!

Cole finished up his first ever season of soccer and we turned around and went straight for baseball.  There are tough sporting moments for sure as his disease doesn’t lend itself well for speed, but we are just rejoicing that we are able to play sports.  This time last year, we didn’t know if that would even be a possibility.

So we wait.  As Christ-followers, we are called to “be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) and to “be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7a).  But these seasons of waiting aren’t always seasons of stillness.  We do wait and we are still, but we are also called to walk and to run.  And sometimes that walking or running is with a limp.  Life is most certainly not easy.  But life really does become simply putting one foot in front of the other.  The seasons of waiting are still punctuated by movement – always by the movement of God, but also the movement He invites us in to.

He calls us to take those steps even when we cannot see.  Sometimes we don’t see what that next step will look like or if our footing will be sure.  We know that “we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians  5:7) but we also know that “His word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).  We don’t have to stumble putting one foot in front of the other for God has given His Word to light our path.  We have found great comfort in the promises from His Word on this journey we are on.

So be encouraged today on the journey you are on.  You may find yourself like we do in a time of waiting, but know a time of walking or running may be right around the corner for you.  Don’t fear taking that step of faith.  There is a God who delights in guiding His children.  He’ll never leave or forsake us and He most certainly won’t let us fall.