When Andrew, one of our toddlers, came to our home a little over a year ago, he was completely non-responsive. We would drag him to meals, drag him to the shower, drag him to change his clothes, we just drug him everywhere. As we did this, he would literally just stare off into the distance and not move unless someone led him. Even when we would play with him or push him on the swings, he would just sit there with no emotion. It was clear that something had happened, but none of us had the training or knowledge to dig any deeper with a nearly three year old, so we did the only thing we could. We prayed.
The first week was tough with him, but before long, everyone was rallying around this boy in hopes of some break through. It was just when we thought it would never happen and started praying prayers like, “Lord, even if we never see it, let someone break through to this boy,” that Andrew came running through the screen door with the biggest smile on his face. Seemingly overnight, this boy came into his own personality, and became one of the brightest lights in the home. There wasn’t one event that opened him up. One night he went to bed unresponsive, with no personality, and the next day, he was kicking the door open on his way out to play.
As I sat with Andrew for a little while, I thought about this event that had happened last March. We were nearing the end of our World Race and our squad was tired and looking forward to getting home. For those of us that got involved with the ministry in the Philippines, Andrew was that kid that re-shifted our focus. While this transformation was all God and all we did was just push him on the swing, it was nice to have a “win”. We’ve seen poverty and horrible stories all over the world and it got emotionally exhausting, so it was nice to be present when this incredible morning happened.
Honestly, I can’t understand a word Andrew says. My knowledge and vocabulary in Visayan is growing, and I still can’t even piece a single word together. But I just love it when Andrew sits me down (keep in mind he’s 3) and just starts rambling. He sings, he cracks himself up, and then he just starts climbing and using my body as a jungle gym. I’ve had entire conversations with other adults as he has climbed up and down my body. For one reason or another, this boy was unresponsive for months. Yet now he is one of the most joyful little kids I have the pleasure of being around. He’s usually the first one that recognizes me coming, and he’s always the last one to let go when I get a group hug.
Just sitting with him made me realize that some days I don’t need the big epiphany that shapes my entire way of thinking. Some days, I just need to play in the sand box and swing for a few hours and call it a day. If I’m being truly honest, I kind of like those days…
