What do you see?
As a special needs mom, I see a green tree in a forest of pink ones in the Christmas display.
Pink trees have flair. Pink trees have sparkle. There are lots of pink trees.
The green tree is unique. The green tree stands out. The green tree doesn’t quite fit in with those pink trees.
Holidays can be hard for special needs kids and their families. Special events disrupt their life line of a schedule. Extra lights, decorations, and SUGAR add stimulation to regulate.
It’s hard to write this next bit.
When our non verbal son was in elementary school, I had a love/hate relationship with the annual Christmas Program. I wanted him to participate. I knew it was good for him. I wanted to see him up there with “all the other kids”.
But…
He had to wear noise reducing head phones.
He couldn’t sing.
He would be late or early or not at all with any hand motions.
Surrounded by kids who seemed to do these things with ease.
A green tree in a forest of pink trees.
Yet still all trees.
When people don’t seem to be meeting your expectations this holiday season,
remember a tree might be different but it still needs the Light of Jesus.
Have grace.
Give mercy.
Shine Bright.
“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.”
Luke 11:33 New International Version