Love In Action

I'd like to share a wonderful encouraging post from the Autism Speaks blog.  Something I think all of us who have children/grandchildren on the spectrum can relate too, read on ...

This Family Services blog was written by a woman inspired by her friend, the grandmother of a young boy with autism.

I sit watching Jeremy always so busy with his repetitive activities while my mind races with thoughts.  Oh God, where is the place for an Autistic child in this world?  I am at the end of my rope, I don’t know what else to do.  I try to be positive and encouraging.   I am always helping and seeking ways to make him better.  I am so anxious I can’t sleep well at night for thinking about all our dreams for him that won’t come true, what he will not be able to do and ways to change these potential outcomes of his life. As I sadly ponder these thoughts, in my heart I hear these words:


The place for Jeremy is in your heart; it’s in mine.  Each of my creations has a unique place in my world, a purpose to be found.  Help him find his!  Trust me, I will guide you.  He was not sent to you to fulfill your worldly dreams.  He has come to be a special part of your life.   He has a sweet spirit that lives inside of him, one that can be overshadowed by fear but nurtured by love.  Learn to recognize it, see it, savor it and watch Jeremy become what I created him to be.  You are loving him the way he was created to be loved, continue.


How can I even use trust and Autism in the same sentence?  How can I acknowledge you, God, in Jeremy’s Autism for when I do I’m angry with you for letting it happen!  What do I need to know? What good can I do here?  If I am loving him they way he was created to be loved, then, Dear God, what can I do differently?

Then I remembered in my thoughts a Bible verse I heard a lot in church as I grew up.  “Love is patient, love is kind…love always hopes, always trusts, always protects and always perseveres.” I hear words again in my heart: 


To care for Jeremy, to make a safe place for him, and to provide what you can is one of the most life-giving, life-receiving things you can do.  For this is love in action.  Now, let my love nourish you as your love nourishes Jeremy.

After I hear these words I remember something else from the Bible…. “Be not anxious for anything but in prayer and thanksgiving make your requests known to God and the peace of God will guard your heart . . .”
While these thoughts are in my mind, I have been watching Jeremy line up his trucks.  As if on cue, he looks up at me and gives me one of those rare, beautiful smiles.  I think from my heart Thank You!

Click here to read the Family Services Community Connections page: “Grandparents Can Make A Difference!”

One of my favorite pictures of our son, Davis and his grandma/"Nana"

enjoying a beautiful Fall day trip in Red Wing

Have you had a moment(s) where you were so focused on "fixing" your child's behaviors or trying to make him/her better that anxiety took over ... but then you were able to hand it over to God and let his love and peace surround you and ultimately let His plan unfold?  I'd love to hear about it!