"You are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you." (Isaiah 43:4)
As I sat watching the handicapped preschoolers gather pumpkins, I felt saddened that my own three-year-old was among them. Why had I bothered to bring him? Mentally and physically handicapped, he could really only observe the fun around him. My hope for a meaningful life for Thomas was at an all-time low.
I talked about my feelings with another mother who was also watching. She opened my eyes to something. "Like you," she said, "I almost didn't bring Kristen today. She is unaware of her surroundings and couldn't possibly enjoy the activities. But then," she continued, "I realized while she may not get anything out of this experience, perhaps someone will see Kristen and be touched by her."
In her words, I saw a ray of hope, a glimpse of meaning in Thomas' life. Perhaps by seeing him participate in his limited way, others would see Thomas not as "handicapped" but as a valuable member of God's family, unique and special in God's sight, loved by those around him, with much to offer regardless of his limitations.
I smiled as I scooped Thomas up, and we hurried into the field in search of pumpkins.
-- Sharon P. Stanley in The Upper Room, November 30, 1990
#2271
Monday, March 30, 2009
4 comments:
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Congratulations on 10 years! The quote from your mother is powerful. Our love and interest in the little ones is a reflection/witness of God's love and of Christ's visible love for the poor, the sick, the mentally challenged, the disfranchised, etc. As our children laugh and cry and hope and dream, we parents laugh and cry and hope and dream right along with them. Joy and love are contagious.
ReplyDeleteEaster Blessings!
Chaplain Mike
Another wonderful way to lift our lives and hearts up to God. He does think each and every one of us is wonderful in our own beautiful and unique way. If we could only keep that in mind when bad things or bad days happen, life would be so much better for each of us. I'm glad your Mom saved that quote all these years. Thanks for all you do Dave!
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ReplyDeleteI may have told you this story. One young woman, a successful professional and a dwarf, was told by a friend to watch a program on genetics. After the program, the young woman was very upset by the content. "They implied that I should not be here," she stated.
Gail Stuehr, Ohio
What a tribute to your son to have God's word spread to so many places in his memory!!! Today's Sound Bites was very touching. I will share it with a couple of people I know who have handicapped children. It will be especially meaningful to them. Thanks for your ongoing mission in your son's memory.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne Houle, Michigan