Learning To Walk

Learning To Walk

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. Psalm 37:23-24

When I read today’s verse about how the Lord directs the steps of the godly and keeps them from falling, it reminded me of Ron, a local farmer who raised hogs, tobacco, and six children—his favorite crop. When the kids were learning to walk, Ron would hold out a thick finger for them to grip as they careened along. When Ron’s kids had kids of their own, he offered the same “support service” as his grandchildren—his new pride and joy—found their footing.

Over the years, as their family physician, I’d walked with Ron’s family through every laceration, broken bone, cough, and flu. But when Ron’s wife passed away, it was the hardest thing the family had ever dealt with.

One night, while I was working a late shift in the ER, the EMS called and said that a sixty-eight-year-old man had been found lying facedown in a field. The EMTs said they thought it was a stroke. From the location they gave, I knew it was Ron. I thought about how the family had grieved when Ron’s wife had died. To lose Ron, too, would be a major blow.

Ron’s children arrived at the hospital before the ambulance did, and each had the same question: “Dad was always the strong one. He never wavered. What do we do now?”

“Once he gets here, we’ll stabilize his vital signs and have neurology evaluate him,” I said. “Then we’ll go from there. If it’s a stroke, it might take weeks or even months for him to recover, or—” I didn’t say anymore. By now the ambulance had pulled in, and I started my exam and treatment.

Four months later, Ron walked into my office with a big lopsided grin. As he offered his left hand to shake, he said, “The Lord helped me stand back up on my own two feet. With his help, I know I’m going to have a long and productive life.”

I assured him that I agreed. I knew that God was holding Ron’s hand and helping him walk, just as Ron had done for his children and grandchildren.

TODAY’S RX

When you’re holding the Lord’s hand, even if you stumble, you won’t fall.

Father, you have been with me every step of the way. You’ve shown me where to walk when the path seemed unclear and have guided me through important decisions. Thank you for caring about me so deeply and for walking with me each day of my life.