angelic
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Ryan is TWO!
Today is Ryan's birthday! He's 2. He is two. Two. It's hard to believe that Ryan joined our family 2 years ago. Ryan has brought so many blessings to my life.
- Greater capacity to love than I could have imagined
- Greater recognition of the small accomplishments
- A feeling of joy and relief each time I see other children meeting their milestones
- A child that is always willing to snuggle
- Knowledge of the brain and it's amazing ability to adapt
- New friends who have become like family
- More respect and appreciation for those individuals and families who work so hard and sacrifice so much to provide outstanding medical and therapeutic care
- Gratitude for opportunities to step outside of myself to serve others and especially for the personal relief that service gives me
- Even more love than ever before for my amazing family
- An awareness of the effect of special needs on siblings
- Awe for those who faith to rise above their physical challenges
- A constant feeling of being encircled and uplifted by the most amazing friends, including some that I have never even met.
- A more sure knowledge of my heavenly father's love, the power of prayer, and the strengthening power of the Atonement
Most of all I'm thankful for Ryan's touch, and for the sounds that he makes, and for the way he snuggles his face next to my chest when he's tired. I hope some day he will read this list and know that I have loved him from the first time that I met him and that I am so grateful!
Orthopedic Surgeon
As our 3rd appointment today, we also saw an Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr. Warman. (Jessica's scoliosis was treated by Dr. Warman.) I imagine that some families would think he's quite cold, but I really like him. I think he's funny.
A lot of children with issues like Ryan's need surgery on their hips. So, Dr. Warman examined Ryan and then took x-rays of his hips. I was very thankful to hear that "for now" Ryan doesn't need surgery. Whew!
We'll go back in 6 months for a follow up visit. In the meantime, Dr. Warman prescribed a new pair of AFO's with a slight modification and said to encourage Ryan to lay in "frog position" as often as he will. Apparently, that will help keep his hips & legs loose. He said to definitely NOT swaddle his legs straight down.
Yeah, no hip surgery!
A lot of children with issues like Ryan's need surgery on their hips. So, Dr. Warman examined Ryan and then took x-rays of his hips. I was very thankful to hear that "for now" Ryan doesn't need surgery. Whew!
We'll go back in 6 months for a follow up visit. In the meantime, Dr. Warman prescribed a new pair of AFO's with a slight modification and said to encourage Ryan to lay in "frog position" as often as he will. Apparently, that will help keep his hips & legs loose. He said to definitely NOT swaddle his legs straight down.
Yeah, no hip surgery!
GI Specialist Visit
After our appointment with the ENT today, we visited with the GI Specialist's Nurse Practitioner and Dietitian. They were thrilled with Ryan's growth. HE'S ON THE CHARTS!
He now weighs 24 pounds and 1 ounce, and he is 32 1/4 inches tall. (Here's a crazy thought: He's more than half my height at 2, and they've been so worried about his growth.)
We will continue giving Ryan Neocate One Plus via his G-tube. We are currently doing 35 mls per hour. We were supposed to be working up to 40, but I just couldn't get him over 36 for more than 2 hours at a time. They said since he is "obviously" doing well, there's no need to stress over it. Just try again in a couple of months to increase it up to 40.
The best part of the appointment is that they have now given us the green light to introduce vegetables and grains into his diet. They recommended avoiding bananas and rice due to the on-going constipation, but said we could do oatmeal and veggies. I'm very excited about that. It'll be fun to let him taste so many new things.
He now weighs 24 pounds and 1 ounce, and he is 32 1/4 inches tall. (Here's a crazy thought: He's more than half my height at 2, and they've been so worried about his growth.)
We will continue giving Ryan Neocate One Plus via his G-tube. We are currently doing 35 mls per hour. We were supposed to be working up to 40, but I just couldn't get him over 36 for more than 2 hours at a time. They said since he is "obviously" doing well, there's no need to stress over it. Just try again in a couple of months to increase it up to 40.
The best part of the appointment is that they have now given us the green light to introduce vegetables and grains into his diet. They recommended avoiding bananas and rice due to the on-going constipation, but said we could do oatmeal and veggies. I'm very excited about that. It'll be fun to let him taste so many new things.
ENT Specialist Visit
Due to Ryan's frequent ear infections, we went back in to see Dr. Moe, our ENT Specialist. I really like Dr. Moe. He's a happy man. I like happy people.
Dr. Moe looked in both ears. The right ear was difficult to view due to so much junk. So, he cleaned it out using the help of a microscope. It was very gentle and obviously much less bothersome than having it "washed" out.
Once Dr Moe could view the ear, he saw that the left ear was clear and the right ear had no infection but he could still see the "yellow fluid behind the ear." This means the antibiotics we have been giving for the past week are working.
Dr Moe recommended that we put tubes in Ryan's ears to help with the drainage. This is normally a very easy procedure done with mask sedation in an outpatient surgical center. However, due to Ryan's health challenges, we are going to be doing it at our local hospital. And, since we are going to be at the hospital they are also going to do a hearing test. The addition of the hearing test will extend the procedure to over an hour and will require anesthesia.
Are you curious how they do a hearing test on a child that is under anesthesia? I was. I was curious how they do an accurate hearing test on any young child, especially a non-verbal, non-mobile, cortically blind child. Well ... they use a series of clicks and monitor the brain's response to the clicks. Cool, right? Isn't it amazing the technology that exists? Isn't it amazing that our body's were designed in a way that allows them to do EEG's, etc?
Anyway ... we schedule the surgery and test for late August. I'll keep you posted.
Dr. Moe looked in both ears. The right ear was difficult to view due to so much junk. So, he cleaned it out using the help of a microscope. It was very gentle and obviously much less bothersome than having it "washed" out.
Once Dr Moe could view the ear, he saw that the left ear was clear and the right ear had no infection but he could still see the "yellow fluid behind the ear." This means the antibiotics we have been giving for the past week are working.
Dr Moe recommended that we put tubes in Ryan's ears to help with the drainage. This is normally a very easy procedure done with mask sedation in an outpatient surgical center. However, due to Ryan's health challenges, we are going to be doing it at our local hospital. And, since we are going to be at the hospital they are also going to do a hearing test. The addition of the hearing test will extend the procedure to over an hour and will require anesthesia.
Are you curious how they do a hearing test on a child that is under anesthesia? I was. I was curious how they do an accurate hearing test on any young child, especially a non-verbal, non-mobile, cortically blind child. Well ... they use a series of clicks and monitor the brain's response to the clicks. Cool, right? Isn't it amazing the technology that exists? Isn't it amazing that our body's were designed in a way that allows them to do EEG's, etc?
Anyway ... we schedule the surgery and test for late August. I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
TTT
I just found this wonderful quote on a friend of a friend's wall:
Put up in a place where it's easy to see
the cryptic admonishment TTT.
Whenever you think how slowly you climb,
It's well to remember that
Things Take Time.
the cryptic admonishment TTT.
Whenever you think how slowly you climb,
It's well to remember that
Things Take Time.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Developmental Pediatrician Visit
Ryan and I met with his Developmental Pediatrician today. We have been seeing him about every 3 months since Ryan was born. At first, I really saw no reason for these visits. It just seemed like they were documenting his progress, but I could do that.
We normally meet with the Nurse Practitioner, but today we met with Dr. Fierro. It was wonderful! He spent a lot of time with us. He was encouraged by Ryan's progress and had a few suggestions for us.
First, he discussed the need to set limits and expectations even for Special Needs children. I think we're already doing in this in the small way that we need to do it.
He then suggested that we start focusing on teaching cause and effect. The therapists have also been giving suggestions recently on how to do this. Most children start learning cause and effect when they drop something on the floor and Mom (or Dad) return it to them. They quickly learn that if they drop something, someone will pick it up for them. A lot of cause and effect is also taught visually. This makes it a little tougher to teach a child who has visual impairments and extremely limited use of his arms. I need to get busy and make the wheelchair tray for this. (I'll put pictures up and explain the concept more as soon as I finish it.)
Dr Fierro thinks Ryan will be a good candidate to communicate via computer as he gets older. He explained that teaching cause and effect is the first step in preparing him to be able to use adaptive communication devices.
We also discussed the current therapies Ryan is doing and recommended that we start looking into future options. Currently Ryan receives therapy from a group that works with 0-3 year olds. Thus, next year we will need to establish a whole new team of therapists. He gave me a couple of recommendations of therapy groups. Apparently, I need to visit with each of them and get Ryan on their waiting lists.
Let's see ... oh, we also discussed that we need to allow Ryan a lot of time out of his AFO's and primarily use his AFO's (foot braces) only when we're working on weight bearing exercises. He encouraged us to be sure not to use him when he's trying to sit, crawl or roll. Good to know. He also would like a slight modification to the new AFO's. He wants to put in a tarsal plate, which is kind of like a little speed bump that will prevent Ryan from curling his toes under.
And, he also reinforced the need to really stay on top of keeping Ryan's seizures under control. He likened seizures to a computer powering down and back up. "Each time you power a computer down and back up, you risk it not coming back up."
Dr Fierro was very complementary of our family and the stimulating environment we provide for Ryan. He said Ryan is thriving because we are taking such good care of him physically and also providing lots of opportunities for him to grow and develop. It was nice to hear such kind words.
I'm thankful we were able to meet with Dr. Fierro today. It was a pleasure.
We normally meet with the Nurse Practitioner, but today we met with Dr. Fierro. It was wonderful! He spent a lot of time with us. He was encouraged by Ryan's progress and had a few suggestions for us.
First, he discussed the need to set limits and expectations even for Special Needs children. I think we're already doing in this in the small way that we need to do it.
He then suggested that we start focusing on teaching cause and effect. The therapists have also been giving suggestions recently on how to do this. Most children start learning cause and effect when they drop something on the floor and Mom (or Dad) return it to them. They quickly learn that if they drop something, someone will pick it up for them. A lot of cause and effect is also taught visually. This makes it a little tougher to teach a child who has visual impairments and extremely limited use of his arms. I need to get busy and make the wheelchair tray for this. (I'll put pictures up and explain the concept more as soon as I finish it.)
Dr Fierro thinks Ryan will be a good candidate to communicate via computer as he gets older. He explained that teaching cause and effect is the first step in preparing him to be able to use adaptive communication devices.
We also discussed the current therapies Ryan is doing and recommended that we start looking into future options. Currently Ryan receives therapy from a group that works with 0-3 year olds. Thus, next year we will need to establish a whole new team of therapists. He gave me a couple of recommendations of therapy groups. Apparently, I need to visit with each of them and get Ryan on their waiting lists.
Let's see ... oh, we also discussed that we need to allow Ryan a lot of time out of his AFO's and primarily use his AFO's (foot braces) only when we're working on weight bearing exercises. He encouraged us to be sure not to use him when he's trying to sit, crawl or roll. Good to know. He also would like a slight modification to the new AFO's. He wants to put in a tarsal plate, which is kind of like a little speed bump that will prevent Ryan from curling his toes under.
And, he also reinforced the need to really stay on top of keeping Ryan's seizures under control. He likened seizures to a computer powering down and back up. "Each time you power a computer down and back up, you risk it not coming back up."
Dr Fierro was very complementary of our family and the stimulating environment we provide for Ryan. He said Ryan is thriving because we are taking such good care of him physically and also providing lots of opportunities for him to grow and develop. It was nice to hear such kind words.
I'm thankful we were able to meet with Dr. Fierro today. It was a pleasure.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Ryan's therapy appointment today went great! We worked a lot on sitting and rolling. We also worked on stretching out his left arm, which has become really stiff again. One of the most exciting parts of therapy today happened when Ryan had rolled (with a little help) onto his tummy. He brought up one leg and pushed himself forward on the blanket. So Miss Erika (our Physical Therapist) helped him. He really enjoyed scooting. It's so fun to see him engage his muscles and help himself move. I feel really encouraged today that he will be able to sit, roll, and even scoot before much longer.
It was also really fun to watch him interact with Erika. He loves her so much! Erika has been such a blessing in our lives. Unfortunately today she shared some bad news. She's leaving in September.
It's really hard to have these amazing people come into our lives and then leave. Not only will it be a loss because she's very talented at getting Ryan to do stuff, but we will simply miss seeing her each week and enjoying her kind spirit. We do wish her and her husband the very best and hope she will keep in touch with us!
It was also really fun to watch him interact with Erika. He loves her so much! Erika has been such a blessing in our lives. Unfortunately today she shared some bad news. She's leaving in September.
It's really hard to have these amazing people come into our lives and then leave. Not only will it be a loss because she's very talented at getting Ryan to do stuff, but we will simply miss seeing her each week and enjoying her kind spirit. We do wish her and her husband the very best and hope she will keep in touch with us!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Metabolic Geneticist Follow Up
Today is our follow up with the Metabolic Geneticist. I'm not anticipating any news since we've already received all the results from the last round of testing. I am curious to see if he feels there are any additional tests to run. I'm hoping Ryan doesn't need any blood work.
I'll keep you posted.
I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Sweet Assurances
Today Ryan worked super hard in therapy, almost as if he wanted to reassure me that things will be okay.
We worked on rolling and when he was on his tummy, he actually lifted his head. It was wonderful! I sure love that little man. I'm thankful for the opportunity to notice every milestone. I wish I had known not to take them for granted with the other children.
We worked on rolling and when he was on his tummy, he actually lifted his head. It was wonderful! I sure love that little man. I'm thankful for the opportunity to notice every milestone. I wish I had known not to take them for granted with the other children.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Raw Reality
Today I was wondering about Barnes & Noble waiting for Jessica. I innocently wandered into the special needs section. Most of the books really didn't relate to Ryan. They were either about ADHD or Autism. But one caught my eye. The Horse Boy: A Memoir of Healing.
Healing. That's what I want for Ryan.
As I quickly scanned it I felt an overwhelming flood of emotions. A longing to make his body whole. To make life easier for him. Perhaps to make life easier for me too.
Their quest for healing took them to Mongolia. Mongolia. What if Mongolia had the answers for Ryan? Could I get him there? Would I take him there?
For a brief moment, this national bestselling book stirred up all the emotions and fears that I keep so locked away. Fearing a complete melt down, I quickly put it all away, crossed my arms in a self-protective hug and reassured myself that it will all be okay.
It will be okay.
Healing. That's what I want for Ryan.
As I quickly scanned it I felt an overwhelming flood of emotions. A longing to make his body whole. To make life easier for him. Perhaps to make life easier for me too.
Their quest for healing took them to Mongolia. Mongolia. What if Mongolia had the answers for Ryan? Could I get him there? Would I take him there?
For a brief moment, this national bestselling book stirred up all the emotions and fears that I keep so locked away. Fearing a complete melt down, I quickly put it all away, crossed my arms in a self-protective hug and reassured myself that it will all be okay.
It will be okay.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Happy 4th of July!
David decorated the house today for Independence Day.
Didn't he do a great job?
Didn't he do a great job?
Labels:
holidays
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Scout Camp
Thursday, July 1, 2010
The Last Round
This last round of chemo has been a little tougher than others. The nausea and headache came on much earlier than in the past and has not responded well to medicines. The spots that were treated with radiation back in December & January became dark red. That was really odd. Normally, they are hardly noticeable. It was odd to see them respond that way to chemo. On Tuesday afternoon I broke out in dark red patches, which by Wednesday mid-day just looked like one solid patch.
The good news though is that this is the last Chemo! Hopefully, within a few days the trend will start moving upwards and life can become a new normal.
But for today, I'm going to rest and enjoy the beautiful rain!
The good news though is that this is the last Chemo! Hopefully, within a few days the trend will start moving upwards and life can become a new normal.
But for today, I'm going to rest and enjoy the beautiful rain!
Labels:
Health
Monday, June 28, 2010
Yokes
You know the scripture in Matthew 11:28-30:
I have been thinking a lot about these scripture versus for a few days and want to share some of my thoughts with you.
Let's set up the scenario.
Just before this scripture, we read that Jesus had been "commanding" his 12 disciples and then left to go preach in their cities. He is approached by 2 of the disciples of John the Baptist who ask if he is The one that was prophesied to come. Jesus told them to go back and tell John of the blind receiving their sight, the lame walking, the lepers be cleansed, and many other miracles. When they departed, Jesus talks to the multitudes about John. He tells them that "This is he [meaning John] of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." After he speaks to them about John the Baptist, he chastises the cities where the forementioned miracles took place for not repenting. Then he counsels us with the great counsel found in chapter 11 versus 28-30.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,"
Here's the command: "Come unto me. "
This command or plea seems to be repeated throughout the scriptures:
"Come follow me. "
"Follow me."
"Come unto me."
If you think of the times in which He lived, he walked, and walked ... and walked. He frequently encouraged those who were interested to follow him. Why? Quite literally so they could walk and talk. They couldn't text or Facebook after meeting. So, if they followed him ... walked with him ... they could talk. And, as they talked, they could learn of Him, see His works, and go where He would go. (Wouldn't it be cool to be able to go for a literal walk with Jesus?)
This command or plea still applies to us. "Come unto me." He is pleading that we trust in Him and follow Him. In the beginning, this may be just leaving room in one's heart to believe in a Savior. Hoping. As time progresses, it may be seen as simple desires of our hearts to do the right thing at the right time. Exercising faith ... even if our faith be the size of a mustard seed. As we progress in our faith, coming unto Him will include changing and repenting, allowing Him a permanent place in our Hearts, and enjoying the walk with Him.
Then he says who the command is directed: "all that labour and are heavy laden."
Isn't that all of us? Don't we all struggle to carry our loads? Thankfully, the loads aren't always super heavy, but we all labour and have heavy loads at times.
Then comes my favorite part, the promise: "and I will give you rest."
I am confident there is not a soul on earth that could not benefit from this promised rest.
Next he gives us the directions on HOW we can come unto Him and receive the much needed and desired rest: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart;"
At first, this instruction seems like a two-step process. It is, but it is also related. We learn of him as we take His yoke upon us.
Well, to really talk about this part we must know what a yoke is. When I was young, the word yoke always sounded like to me to be something heavy, which is one definition of the word: servitude or bondage. (Merriam-Webster follows the servitude or bondage listing with "especially: Marriage." That made me laugh!) Yet, another meaning of the word is "a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together; an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person; a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions."
You can see an example of a yoke in the picture below.
One of my heroes, Neal Maxwell termed it "the atoning yoke." He explained how Jesus willingly "took upon Himself the heavy, atoning yoke in order to redeem all mankind by paying the agonizing price for our sins.... Jesus also volunteered to take upon Himself additional agony in order that He might experience and thus know certain things according to the flesh, namely human sicknesses and infirmities and human griefs, including those not associated with sin. Therefore, as a result of His great Atonement, Jesus was filled with unique empathy and with perfect mercy."
Then Maxwell continues by explaining how taking His yoke helps us to learn of Him. He says:
Each of the counsels/commands/pleas are followed with the promise of rest: "And ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Have you ever had a day when you just wanted everything to stop so that you could rest? I have. I have had days when the fight seemed a little too hard, not because I wasn't willing, but because I was tired. I longed for REST. If only, I had really understood this principle then.
He promises, if we will take His yoke, we will find rest unto our souls.
I have experienced that great rest. While I am I nowhere near perfect in following this command, I testify that this is a true principle. During the times when I have felt like things were really hard, what gave me the most peace was service to others. I don't profess to understand how taking the time and energy to help someone else with their burdens when I already have too much on my own plate helps me, but it does! It really does.
And finally, the reassurance: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
When we link our efforts to the strength of the Savior, and couple our energies with His, the burden is light. What might be an impossible burden for one to share on their own, will be easy with the Savior's help. I know this to be true. I have had moments of realization of the heavy, heavy burdens I was carrying. In those moments, I realized that because of so many people sharing His yoke, the "burdens" which I have been asked to carry for now have often seemed so light that I did not feel their weight at all.
Tonight as I have thought of this scripture, I imagine an image of many of your faces yoked together with the Savior's carrying my load for me. I am so grateful to each of you. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude and love for my Savior, for each of you, my family and friends, and even those of you who I have never met that have prayed for me and my family. I am thankful to know that we can have rest when we take His yoke and I am thankful for feeling that rest in my life.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
I have been thinking a lot about these scripture versus for a few days and want to share some of my thoughts with you.
Let's set up the scenario.
Just before this scripture, we read that Jesus had been "commanding" his 12 disciples and then left to go preach in their cities. He is approached by 2 of the disciples of John the Baptist who ask if he is The one that was prophesied to come. Jesus told them to go back and tell John of the blind receiving their sight, the lame walking, the lepers be cleansed, and many other miracles. When they departed, Jesus talks to the multitudes about John. He tells them that "This is he [meaning John] of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee." After he speaks to them about John the Baptist, he chastises the cities where the forementioned miracles took place for not repenting. Then he counsels us with the great counsel found in chapter 11 versus 28-30.
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,"
Here's the command: "Come unto me. "
This command or plea seems to be repeated throughout the scriptures:
"Come follow me. "
"Follow me."
"Come unto me."
If you think of the times in which He lived, he walked, and walked ... and walked. He frequently encouraged those who were interested to follow him. Why? Quite literally so they could walk and talk. They couldn't text or Facebook after meeting. So, if they followed him ... walked with him ... they could talk. And, as they talked, they could learn of Him, see His works, and go where He would go. (Wouldn't it be cool to be able to go for a literal walk with Jesus?)
This command or plea still applies to us. "Come unto me." He is pleading that we trust in Him and follow Him. In the beginning, this may be just leaving room in one's heart to believe in a Savior. Hoping. As time progresses, it may be seen as simple desires of our hearts to do the right thing at the right time. Exercising faith ... even if our faith be the size of a mustard seed. As we progress in our faith, coming unto Him will include changing and repenting, allowing Him a permanent place in our Hearts, and enjoying the walk with Him.
Then he says who the command is directed: "all that labour and are heavy laden."
Isn't that all of us? Don't we all struggle to carry our loads? Thankfully, the loads aren't always super heavy, but we all labour and have heavy loads at times.
Then comes my favorite part, the promise: "and I will give you rest."
I am confident there is not a soul on earth that could not benefit from this promised rest.
Next he gives us the directions on HOW we can come unto Him and receive the much needed and desired rest: "Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart;"
At first, this instruction seems like a two-step process. It is, but it is also related. We learn of him as we take His yoke upon us.
Well, to really talk about this part we must know what a yoke is. When I was young, the word yoke always sounded like to me to be something heavy, which is one definition of the word: servitude or bondage. (Merriam-Webster follows the servitude or bondage listing with "especially: Marriage." That made me laugh!) Yet, another meaning of the word is "a wooden bar or frame by which two draft animals (such as oxen) are joined at the heads or necks for working together; an arched device formerly laid on the neck of a defeated person; a frame fitted to a person's shoulders to carry a load in two equal portions."
You can see an example of a yoke in the picture below.
One of my heroes, Neal Maxwell termed it "the atoning yoke." He explained how Jesus willingly "took upon Himself the heavy, atoning yoke in order to redeem all mankind by paying the agonizing price for our sins.... Jesus also volunteered to take upon Himself additional agony in order that He might experience and thus know certain things according to the flesh, namely human sicknesses and infirmities and human griefs, including those not associated with sin. Therefore, as a result of His great Atonement, Jesus was filled with unique empathy and with perfect mercy."
Then Maxwell continues by explaining how taking His yoke helps us to learn of Him. He says:
"So the taking of Jesus' yoke upon us constitutes serious discipleship. There is no greater calling, no greater challenge, and no greater source of joy -- both proximate joy and ultimate joy -- than that which is found in the process of discipleship. The process brings its own joys and reassurances...."And, then here's the real key:
"Shouldering the yoke of discipleship greatly enhances both our adoration and knowledge of Jesus, because then we experience, firsthand, through our parallel but smaller-scaled experiences, a small but instructive portion of what the Savior experienced. In this precious process, the more we do what Jesus did -- allow our wills to be swallowed up in the will of the Father -- the more we learn of Jesus. This emulation directly enhances our adoration of Jesus. Simultaneously, in this same process, the more we become like Jesus, the more we come to know Him."So in serving others, in sharing His load, we learn more of Him, and thus become more like Him. Perhaps this is a 2nd step in his counsel. The first step being, "Come unto me." The second being, "Take my yoke upon you."
Each of the counsels/commands/pleas are followed with the promise of rest: "And ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Have you ever had a day when you just wanted everything to stop so that you could rest? I have. I have had days when the fight seemed a little too hard, not because I wasn't willing, but because I was tired. I longed for REST. If only, I had really understood this principle then.
He promises, if we will take His yoke, we will find rest unto our souls.
I have experienced that great rest. While I am I nowhere near perfect in following this command, I testify that this is a true principle. During the times when I have felt like things were really hard, what gave me the most peace was service to others. I don't profess to understand how taking the time and energy to help someone else with their burdens when I already have too much on my own plate helps me, but it does! It really does.
And finally, the reassurance: "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
When we link our efforts to the strength of the Savior, and couple our energies with His, the burden is light. What might be an impossible burden for one to share on their own, will be easy with the Savior's help. I know this to be true. I have had moments of realization of the heavy, heavy burdens I was carrying. In those moments, I realized that because of so many people sharing His yoke, the "burdens" which I have been asked to carry for now have often seemed so light that I did not feel their weight at all.
Tonight as I have thought of this scripture, I imagine an image of many of your faces yoked together with the Savior's carrying my load for me. I am so grateful to each of you. Words are inadequate to express my gratitude and love for my Savior, for each of you, my family and friends, and even those of you who I have never met that have prayed for me and my family. I am thankful to know that we can have rest when we take His yoke and I am thankful for feeling that rest in my life.
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