I believe that we must look for the amazing within the ordinary. Seek in the low, humble places. It finds us there. I think this can be especially true for parents of children with unique needs.

Our son is autistic. One of the tenants of an autistic personality can be the inability to interpret other’s emotions, words, body language, etc. This can lead to moments of embarrassment and misunderstanding, but most importantly, it makes navigating social circles exceptionally difficult for the child. This has been true with our son. In the midst of wading through social interactions that appear immediately obvious to me, he has posed questions countless times, “Mom, was that rude? Mom, is that funny? Mom, is that mean? Mom, are you mad?” Over time, with instruction, reinforcement, social stories, pictures and lots and lots of “get yer sleeves rolled up we’re goin’ out in the big ole world to practice this,” he has grown to understand more and more. Social cues, nuances, inuendo may not come instinctively for him, but my hope is that through all of this effort, eventually these things will become second nature. This effort can be abundantly exhausting, but I will never, never, ever give up. You see, I’m learning too, learning to see the treasures.

It had been the proverbial long day of a parent. The tired, spent, frustrated, doubting, sometimes guilt-ridden, I can’t take another minute, kind of day. And there I was. Sitting in the ordinary, inhaling the long awaited quiet. From the shadows I heard his feet. Shuffling, tipsy, drunk with slumber. He came up behind me and reached for my arm. Just as I was to drop my head, his sweet words filled my heart and soul. “Mommy, I was trying so hard to go to sleep and I really was trying, but I just wanted to say that I love you.” He leaned in hard and wrapped his arms around my neck, like Summer nectar, thick and lingering. He’s changed me. I don’t fight it anymore. I await the ordinary and anticipate the magnificence of my Lord who loves me in these low, humble places. I find Him there.