Patching Makes My Eye Strong!

 Toby has amblyopia and strabismus. His right eye is weaker than his left eye and as a result it turns in. As part of his therapy to strengthen this eye he has had to wear a patch off and on. We have not been able to go to a doctor in 2 years, but we finally found one here who understands and treats these conditions. We have increased his prescription and have started patching again. This is no fun. Try covering your dominant eye. Not easy to get around. Although Toby does not enjoy this time, he does it willingly and without complaining. He does cry in frustration sometimes, but he trusts us and believes us when we tell him that this will strengthen his eye.

This has started me thinking about my own life. I have been begging God to heal Toby's eyes. Partly because I don't want to see him struggle and partly because we feel so helpless and unable to help him. I hate to hear him say, "When I grow up I want to be a fighter jet pilot." Of course I just smile and say, "you can do it." But inside I think, "God...if that's what his desire is...how can he ever be that with his eyesight? You have to heal him." So I pray. Some days filled with faith and some days struggling to see past my own tears and some days half-heartedly. I started thinking about what all this means to me. I realized I am coming out of a season of "patching." God has had me under his hand this summer. I have felt a little contained, blinded and uncomfortable. I have been wondering what he is doing. I have felt like he is patching my strengths and it has been really uncomfortable and annoying. I have cried and complained way more than Toby ever does. I rant and rave and say "this is so UNFAIR"  and "Why me?" But not Toby. He just became a member of Patch Pals and he loves to go play "Patchland" games while he is patching. He is looking for the joy in the midst of his trials. So I have decided that if my Father thinks its best for me to be patched than I better go along with it. I will probably join Patch Pals and I may even get a free t-shirt out of the deal. Thanks Toby for leading the way and showing your Mommy how to patch! You really do live up to your name: God is GOOD!