Life just seems at times to be spinning out of control. I know all us moms feel like this and our challenge is to stop the freight train, put the brakes on, keep a balance…..yet it’s a constant battle!
Having three active kids they want to be involved in many activities. Truth be told they all have athletic abilities so it’s a thrill for this competitive gal to stand on the side lines and scream my little heart out for my guys and doll. Whether it’s a tournament, cup, or league game it’s a joy to see these three healthy children love a sport and be a part of a team.
Yesterday I substituted in an Autistic classroom. It was my first experience with special needs kids. My mom has a Masters degree in Special Education so I’ve sort of grown up knowing about special needs people, and I have a nephew who is severely handicapped (including autistic). At first I was unsure of myself around the kids, I wasn’t sure if they would be o.k. with a stranger in the room. These kids need and love their routine.
I didn’t expect a warm greeting by them, and I was pleasantly surprised a few of them greeted me at all! I couldn’t help but want to just observe them and realize how special they each were and how God must love them so much. Life in the classroom for these kids was simple. After each class activity they were asked to take out their “happy face” papers and record their feelings. I was pleased to see all happy faces! They often were required to check their schedules so they knew what was next.
With six kids in the class came six very different personalities and needs. Some were verbal and others had more difficulty. One boy was awarded a sweet tart just for trying to talk during speech class. Another boy carried a voice box and every time he needed to answer he would type his answer in the box and the box spoke to us.
Six special lives. I thought about the home life and how difficult it must be to have a child like this, one who can’t communicate, is handicapped socially, and academically. It occurred to me these children most likely will not play sports, all the activities my kids do they won’t. Yet I can still see the smiles on their faces. They have a life, just different. Tying a shoe lace may bring one great joy. Completing a simple frog craft is a huge accomplishment!
I found myself humbled. My heart was blessed for being in the presence of these special kids, watching them live their life as they know it. Grateful for the reminder of what life is all about. Life is about lives and relationships. Investing time into the ones we love. It’s not about how good we are in sports, what we’ve achieved in life financially, or how successful we’ve become. For me, life is about knowing Jesus, walking with Him daily, reading my Bible, and praying. Abiding in Christ gives me all the balance and security I need. When the hard times come (and there are hard times), my strength comes from HIM.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
Grace and blessings,
Debbie
